


t4<«. '> • ' I .!«'.••*« »• 






























('opyiiglil N“ 

COPYRK'.HT DEPOSIT. 




V 




/ 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


/ 


1 ) 


I 








1 






“The reports of the two guns sounded as one.” 

[Page 246] 


THE KING’S 
SCOUTS 


By 

WILLIAM 

AUTHOB OF 

R. A. WILSON 

M 

“comrades three’' 

2 

p 

% 





D. APPLETON AND COMPANY 
NEW YORK 
1907 


UoKARY of CONGRESS 
,lwo Coules Received 

SEP 13 190/’ 


_0oi)yncM Bnlry 
CLASS A XXCm No. 
copr B. 


Copyright, 1907, by 
D. APPLETON AND COMPANY 


Published September, 1907 


TO MY FKIEND 


HENRY GRAY SCHAEFFLER, M.D. 


I 



► 'g 



•V • 


^9 




/ : 


i 


t 





I 

V 



r 



I 



» 




,r‘ 



• t , 

> • 


" I'l • , 
'I 

g « 

■j 


I 


' > 

;v 


( 



t !■ • 

I .7. 




CONTENTS 


CHAPTER PAGE 

I. — In which a Mysterious Drawer is Opened . . 1 

II. — Contains a Call to Arms and an Account of a Mid- 
night Visitor 12 

III. — ^Wherein an Expedition Starts and a Base Plot 

IS Revealed 23 

IV. — ^Tells How a Crisis was Reached and a Heroic Re- 

solve Made 38 

V. — In which an Enemy is Met and Misfortune Ensues 55 

VI. — Shows How Easy it is to Fall from the Frying- 

pan into the Fire 70 

VII. — ^Wherein Francois Turns a Trick and Another 

Danger is Avoided 84 

VIII. — Describes How a Purpose was Accomplished and 

AN Unpleasant Predicament Met .... 102 

IX. — Concerning a Lost Powder Barrel .... 121 

X. — Devoted to a Game of Hide and Seek . . .143 

XI. — ^In which the Mysterious Record Gives up its 

Secret 155 

XII. — ^A Subterranean Chapter in which an Enemy is 

Vanquished 174 

vii 


CONTENTS 

CHAPTER PAGE 

XIII. — ^Wherein Another Trick is Played and the Birds 

Escape 192 

XIV. — ^Tells of a Forced March and a Night Attack . 210 

XV. — Shows How Even an Indian May Be Outwitted . 230 

XVI. — Describes a Glad Home-Coming and the Last Ap- 
pearance OF THE Enemy 248 

XVII. — A Convivial Chapter Devoted to Rewards and 

Happiness 266 


Vlll 


LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 


FACING 

PAGE 

“The reports of the two guns sounded as one,” Frontispiece 

“Finally it gave up its secret message” 10 ^ 

“Stood with folded arms calmly awaiting the onset of his 

foes ” 66 

“Franyois spread out the mysterious chart once more”. . 156 / 


IX 


i 

s • 


> r 


f \r 

* 


t- . 


» ■ 

t ‘ 

\ , 


T . r’v - 

^ ‘ • I %*> 


(• 


t 




^ « ' 


V , ; . • 
\ 


I i 

i' / . 




» 


' 






.*'■ 


. I ^ 

^ ' ■ - • 


• ♦ 


i 




1 1 • ■ I 






>V 




t . ' 




'■ 'f'' 


> V . , I 


.1 < ' 





THE KING^S SCOUTS 


CHAPTER I 

IN WHICH A MYSTEKIOUS DRAWEE IS OPENED 

T he sun rose clear and bright upon the 
stately city of Quebec one cool spring 
morning in the year 1692. In the Lower 
Town the houses stood huddled together on the nar- 
row strip of land between the river side and the 
huge rock that constituted the city’s strength and 
defense. The smoke from the chimneys rose laz- 
ily in the clear, crisp air, then, when the upper cur- 
rents were reached, it was blown ofE across the 
sparkling bosom of the St. Lawrence, melting into 
nothingness before the force of the cold northern 
breezes. Above in the Upper Town the sunlight 
flooded everything, tipping with gold the spire of 
the Cathedral and caressing with its warm touch 
the flag of France that floated bravely from its 
staff on the Chateau St. Louis. Fair indeed was 
1 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


the sight of this impregnable fortress that stood 
at the gateway of New France, and guarded the 
vast dominion of the French king Louis that 
stretched to the north and west for an unknown 
number of leagues. Below the city in the watery 
basin lay the King’s ship hut lately arrived bring- 
ing fresh colonists and soldiers for the peopling 
and protection of this vast new realm. Already 
was it laden for the return voyage, and as it floated 
lightly upon the tide it seemed like some great, 
white-winged bird pluming itself for flight to the 
home land. 

Many of the inhabitants of the Lower Town had 
deserted their homes and ascended the steep street 
to witness the sights of the citadel. Here in the 
open square, the Place d’Armes, used as a parade 
ground by the garrison, was collected a motley 
crowd ; shopkeepers, laborers, censitaires from the 
outlying farms, women with children in their arms, 
an occasional friendly Indian wrapped silently in 
his blanket, trappers {coureiirs-de-hois they were 
called) with their fur caps and weather-beaten 
faces, sailors from the King’s ship — in fact repre- 
sentatives from all the various classes of inhabi- 
tants of this new, strange region. The cause of 
2 


A MYSTERIOUS DRAWER 


their curiosity was to he seen in the middle of the 
square. Here in full uniforms, led hy a spirited 
hand, marched and countermarched the entire mili- 
tary force of the Fort increased hy the reinforce- 
ments hut recently arrived. It was indeed a brave 
sight and one well calculated to attract the attention 
and stir the blood of the onlookers. The sharp 
word of command of the officers, the rattle of arms 
as the various movements of the drill were executed 
with wonderful precision, the thud of feet as the 
gallant men advanced at the double quick in line 
or broken up into detached groups — all served to 
arouse in the mind the recollection of the military 
glory of the nation and the need for these strong 
defenders of the Colony against its manifold dan- 
gers and ferocious foes. 

A little in front of the crowd, on one side of the 
square stood three lads intensely interested in the 
warlike maneuvers taking place before them. In- 
asmuch as they are destined to he the chief actors 
in the stirring events which follow, a word of de- 
scription and identification may not he amiss. 

The eldest was a hoy of about nineteen, tall and 
lithe of figure and straight as one of the stately 
pines that covered the hillsides of this northern 
3 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


land. He was the son of a farmer living near Que- 
bec, and his name was Prangois Ledun. The other 
two, although wearing a similar dress and showing 
hy their tanned skin and stalwart forms that they 
had lived the same outdoor life as their companion, 
seemed to he cast in a more refined mold. A 
strong family resemblance proclaimed them to he 
brothers. The older of the two, Pierre Bordeleau by 
name, was fully two years younger than Frangois, 
while his brother Jean, the youngest of the group, 
was not yet fourteen. It was evident by the air of 
good fellowship that pervaded all their intercourse 
with one another that they were closely bound by 
ties of rare friendliness. The fact that Jean leaned 
his arm on his brother’s shoulder in atfectionate 
familiarity betrayed their close relationship, had 
there been no similarity of features existing. 

At length the driU was over and the soldiers 
marched away to their quarters. The assembled 
crowd dispersed in various directions and the three 
boys walked away together engaged in animated 
conversation. 

“ They are a brave lot,” exclaimed Frangois. 
‘‘ I only wish His Majesty would send us ten thou- 
sand more like them. Then we could keep the In- 
4 


A MYSTERIOUS DRAWER 

dians in check and be prepared for any attack the 
English might choose to make.” 

“Eighty seems a small number for the King 
to send when the Governor had asked for a thou- 
sand,” was Pierre’s complaint. 

“But eighty is better than none,” was Jean’s 
cheerful answer. “ If they are made of the right 
stuff, as I think they are, a good deal can be accom- 
plished with that small number.” Then he added 
with a laugh, “ It was easy to pick out the new ar- 
rivals by the cleanness of their uniforms and the 
whiteness of their skin. One expedition to the 
wilds will cause them to lose both.” 

By this time they had reached their home, a 
large, somber-looking dwelling situated on one of 
the main streets of the Upper Town. They entered 
the large downstairs room, and by so doing inter- 
rupted the conversation of two men seated before 
the big, open fire. The boys gathered about the 
cheerful blaze, for the outside air was still chill with 
memories of the long winter just passed, and stood 
silently warming their hands and feet. The two 
men were Pierre’s and Jean’s father and maternal 
uncle. The latter, Jacques Ormesson, was a bluff, 
hearty, wholesouled trader whose eyes gleamed 
5 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


with affection as they rested on the lads. The 
former was a delicate-looking man, who seemed 
to have just recovered from some severe illness, 
judging by the pallor of his face and a general 
emaciated look. After the stir occasioned by the 
lads’ entrance had subsided, the conversation was 
resumed. 

“ It is a had business,” began the father of the 
two hoys, “ this thing of having the streams free 
from ice and the whole fleet of canoes laden with 
the entire winter’s catch kept at Michilimackinac 
for fear of the savages who have taken possession 
of the Ottawa ready to capture the men and pelts, 
should they he rash enough to attempt to force a 
passage. The Colony will have its best trade 
ruined if matters are not remedied. Had the King 
sent the thousand men Frontenac requested, we 
would not thus he at the redskins’ mercy.” 

True,” replied Jacques Ormesson, “ but the 
brave Governor is not discouraged even now. I 
hear he is to send a party to try and break through 
the Indian lines and act as guard to bring the fleet 
home.” 

There was silence for a moment, then Pierre’s 
father spoke thoughtfully: 

6 


A MYSTERIOUS DRAWER 


Strange, very strange it is that in searching 
through my hrother^s effects there should he no rec- 
ord of the cargo of skins that was shipped to him 
three years ago from the Great Lakes. It started 
hut never arrived. If we had these on hand for 
shipment to France, it would make a vast deal of 
difference in the family treasury. His death has 
put this valuable asset out of our reach, I fear.” 

“ Have you searched everywhere ? ” was Ormes- 
son’s inquiry. 

Yes and without avail. There is hut a single 
chance left that has just occurred to me. One 
drawer in his desk here cannot he opened. The 
lock is of a peculiar make so that it is impossible 
to force or pick it. If the key is not found, it will 
he necessary to destroy the desk in order to discover 
what the drawer contains. I dislike adopting such 
radical measures, however, as it is a highly useful 
and costly piece of furniture.” 

The two men arose and approaching the desk 
examined carefully the lock that had so far hid de- 
fiance to all their efforts. They were startled while 
thus engaged by an exclamation of astonishment 
from Jean. WTiile standing on the hearth before 
the fire, he noticed that one of the bricks on which 
2 7 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


he rested moved slightly beneath his foot. Stoop- 
ing down, his curiosity aroused, he inspected the 
brick and found that it was indeed loose, while 
all of its fellows were tightly hound together by 
the intervening mortar. After a few unsuccessful 
efforts he managed to pry up one end of it with his 
hunting knife, and an instant later removed it from 
its place. Peering into the hole thus made he was 
astonished to see a key of curious form lying at 
the bottom. Seizing it he ran to his father crying : 

I have found it.” Then insisting that he be al- 
lowed to open the drawer himself, he inserted it in 
the lock. It turned easily hut the drawer still stuck 
fast. Irritated by its obstinacy he gave an extra 
hard pull and it came out, hut so suddenly that he 
fell backward to the floor, his heels in air and the 
drawer on top of him. This feat was greeted 
by a shout of laughter from the other two boys, 
who hastened to relieve him from his predica- 
ment. 

All flve now crowded eagerly about the drawer 
only to And it empty. A half audible sigh of dis- 
appointment arose on all sides. Pierre after eye- 
ing it carefully a moment hastily pulled another 
from the desk, and placing it alongside pointed out 
8 


A MYSTERIOUS DRAWER 

the fact that the first was fully four inches shorter 
than the other. 

“ A secret hiding place ! ” exclaimed Ormesson, 
as he plunged his arm into the space where the 
drawer had been. After much straining and reach- 
ing, his fingers closed upon something which, when 
brought to the light, proved to he a small, carved, 
metal box four by five inches in size. It had no 
lock and its single fastening was quickly forced 
disclosing the contents to the curious gaze of the 
group. What they beheld was only a sheet of oiled 
silk carefully folded to fit the box. This was 
quickly spread out upon the table and the eyes of 
all sought eagerly to learn its secret. Imagine 
their surprise on finding no writing of any kind on 
it, but merely a blank surface. The hoys’ father 
uttered an exclamation of anger, and with a quick 
movement seized the offending bit of silk, crumpled 
it in his hands and hurled it into the fire. Ormes- 
son with a cry of alarm leaped to its rescue, hut not 
before one corner had been badly scorched. 

“ Do nothing rash,” he said, in a warning tone. 
“ It must have some value else it would not have 
been so strangely preserved.” With this he care- 
fully spread it out again. To the amazement of 
9 



10 



“Finally it gave up its secret message.’^ 




A MYSTERIOUS DRAWER 


all they beheld near the burnt comer which was still 
hot, the words “ to the notch ” staring them in the 
face, where previously every one would have sworn 
there had been nothing. To add to the mystery, 
the writing began to fade as they gazed upon it and 
a moment later disappeared entirely. The boys 
looked at one another as though wondering if they 
were really wide awake. Ormesson, however, en- 
joying their mystification smiled and, beckoning 
them to come near him stepped to the fireplace and 
held the mysterious sheet before the blaze. Noth- 
ing happened for a moment, then as the silk became 
thoroughly heated, faint outlines appeared and 
words until finally it gave up its secret message. 

Before anyone could speak, a loud knock was 
heard at the street door, and a soldier soon ap- 
peared before them. Bowing to the men he pointed 
to the three lads. His Excellency, the Governor, 
wishes your immediate presence at the Chateau. 
The business brooks no delay.” The boys with tme 
military obedience left their interesting occupation 
and hurried away. A few minutes later they stood 
in the anteroom at the Chateau St. Louis awaiting 
their summons into the Governor’s private apart- 
ment. 


J 11 


CHAPTER II 


CONTAINS A CALL TO ABMS AND AN ACCOUNT 
OF A MIDNIGHT VISITOR 

A S the three lads waited, the mind of each 
was filled with thoughts aroused by his 
surroundings. It was two years since 
they had been in that same room on the memorable 
day when Pierre and Jean had been taken before 
the Governor to relate all they had learned 
concerning the treasonable plans of their father’s 
brother, whose tragic end shortly afterwards made 
a deep impression on their youthful natures. 
Frangois mentally reviewed the day of the attack 
on Quebec and recalled with satisfaction the reward 
he had received, a reward that enabled him to pay 
for a goodly farm, thus changing his father’s es- 
tate from that of a renter to a landowner. Pierre’s 
reveries were of a military character. He recalled 
his portion of the Governor’s bounty, too, the ap- 
pointment of the three as scouts attached to the 
service of the King with regular pay, and under- 
12 


A CALL TO ARMS 


the Governor’s direct supervision and authority. 
There had been no call for their services during the 
past two years. The hoys had spent this time in 
attending a small school taught by the Jesuit fa- 
thers, and using their vacations in hunting or trap- 
ping expeditions, at no time going very far away 
from Quebec. Pierre secretly hoped that this sum- 
mons of the Governor meant that they were at last 
to take the field. Jean’s memory went back to 
these same adventurous times, hut they dwelt with 
affectionate tenderness on the recovery of their fa- 
ther from the hands of the Indians, and the dis- 
covery in the person of the kindly trader Ormes- 
son a blood relation. 

Their trains of thought were interrupted ere 
long and they found themselves standing in the 
presence of the famous Frontenac, Governor of 
New France, the head of the Colony and the repre- 
sentative of the King. The great man greeted 
them in a kindly manner. 

“ Well, young gentlemen,” he began in a deeply 
vibrating voice, “ your prompt response to my call 
shows that you possess the greatest of soldierly 
virtues — obedience. Let me see, it is two years 
since you received your appointment as King’s 
13 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

scouts. You have drawn your pay regularly since 
that time, I believe.” Here he frowned heavily, 
although there was a mischievous twinkle in his 
eye. “What have you been doing to earn it?” 
The three hoys were surprised at his seeming stern- 
ness. Frangois was the first to reply. 

“We have been ready, awaiting your Excel- 
lency’s orders.” 

“ Nor have we been idle,” added Pierre, “ but 
have been perfecting our knowledge of woodcraft 
so that we could render better services when we 
were finally called upon.” 

The Governor’s frown relaxed. He turned to- 
ward Jean with a look of inquiry as though he said : 
“Well, sir, and what have you to say for your- 
self? ” 

Jean was a little abashed at the look hut man- 
aged to stammer: 

“ In addition, your Excellency, I — I have been 
growing. I am two years older, a lot stronger and 
an inch and a half taller.” 

Frontenac burst into a hearty laugh. 

“Par Dieu!^’ he cried, “that was a clever 
speech. He has been growing ! ” and again he 
leaned back in his chair while his whole frame 
14 


A CALL TO ARMS 


shook with merriment. When this subsided, he 
added in his usual kindly tone : “ You have all done 
well. I acquit you of any charge of rendering no 
return for your pay. But now, you will he called 
upon for something a little more definite. An ex- 
pedition starts to-morrow to break the Indian block- 
ade on the Ottawa and escort the fleet of canoes 
now held at Michilimackinac to Montreal. You 
will attach yourselves to this party, rendering such 
services as may he in your power to the commander 
Dorvilliers. Report at the Fort at eight to-morrow 
morning. The expedition leaves at nine.” 

The hoys bowed in acquiescence to his order hut 
were unable to repress a look of eagerness and de- 
light at being once more actively engaged in the 
King’s service. Frontenac noticed this look and 
smiled approvingly as he dismissed them with a 
hearty hand shake. 

Would your Excellency permit us to absent 
ourselves for a brief period after the work of the 
expedition is accomplished? ” Pierre asked as they 
were leaving the room. 

“ Certainement! ” was the quick response. “ If 
you succeed in bringing through the fleet in safety, 
you may have a leave of absence of three months 
15 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


if necessary. I will speak to Dorvilliers in re- 
gard to the matter.” 

On the way home Jean inquired the reason of 
his brother’s request. 

“ I am determined that we shall find 'the store 
of furs that our uncle has hidden away somewhere 
in the region whither we are going,” was Pierre’s 
determined reply. Father and Uncle Ormesson 
have been greatly worried of late and I fear some 
impending financial disaster. Could we but dis- 
cover and bring home the lost skins, I think all 
their anxiety would be at an end. I believe the 
mysterious drawing found this morning is the key 
to the whereabouts of this property. Let us hasten 
our steps and see if any progress has been made 
in deciphering it.” 

They found the trader and his companion en- 
gaged in making a careful copy of the strange 
drawing. The news of the proposed expedition 
caused this to be laid aside. Frangois took his 
leave in a few minutes in order that he might bid 
farewell to his father, promising to meet his 
friends again at the hour set for embarkation. The 
four ate their midday meal in silence, the boys’ 
thoughts eagerly engaged in foretasting the plea- 
16 


A CALL TO ARMS 


sures and excitement of their trip ; the elders grave 
with the realization of the dangers that the rest- 
less yonths were about to encounter. 

Life seems to he made up of meetings and 
separations,” sighed the father, as they were once 
more gathered about the fireplace. 

True,” replied Ormesson, with forced cheer- 
fulness, hut our hoys have their lives to live. In 
this new land they are perforce adventurous ones. 
Le bon Dieu who has so graciously manifested His 
care over us all in the past will not desert us now 
in our need, hut will bring them back in safety 
covered with distinction for work well done.” 

Amen!” was the father’s rejoinder in a sub- 
dued tone, as he drew Jean closer to him and held 
him in a loving embrace. “But notwithstanding 
our faith in Le bon Dieu, the parting is grievous.” 

“We will do our best,” said Jean bravely. 
“ Who knows what services to the King we shall 
be able to render that will make you both proud 
of us on our return. ” 

“ I am determined that we shall not come back 
with empty hands, either,” added Pierre boldly. 
“ I shall take a copy of the strange drawing with 
me. It will be odd indeed if between us three we 
17 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


do not solve the mystery, and, if the skins are still 
in their hiding place, bring them home with us.” 

Bravely spoken ! ” cried Ormesson delighted 
at the lad’s resolute tone. “ If you succeed, it will 
lift a heavy burden from this house.” 

A long silence ensued, each one busied with his 
own thoughts of the coming separation and un- 
known trials, a silence that was more eloquent than 
words when participated in by those hound closely 
to one another by the sacred ties of blood and affec- 
tion. At length the trader stirred, and rose. 

Come, Pierre and Jean,” he exclaimed in a 
cheery voice, the time is short and calls for action 
rather than fears and forebodings. Let us go to 
the shop and see if we cannot find something that 
will prove of service on your journey. New blan- 
kets will be necessary, while a few knives, powder 
horns and bullet pouches, I know, will not come 
amiss.” 

The boys obeyed with alacrity and soon were 
looking over Ormesson’s stock in trade, selecting 
such articles as they thought would be useful on 
the wilderness expedition. Later on they returned 
with their new possessions and the remainder of 
the afternoon was spent in cleaning the guns and 
18 


A CALL TO ARMS 


getting everything in order for the morrow. Their 
father and Ormesson were not idle on their part, 
hut completed the task of copying the mystic docu- 
ment. 

When evening came they all gathered about a 
table on which this copy was carefully spread, to 
discover, if possible, some clew to its meaning. 

These figures to the left represent five beaver 
skins,” said the boys’ father. That much is plain, 
for there were five hundred skins in the lost ship- 
ment.” 

Good ! ” exclaimed Ormesson. “ Here at the 
top is the picture of a large island. That must re- 
fer to Michilimackinac, the starting place. Be- 
neath it are eleven suns. If I know anything about 
Indian picture-writing, I would hazard a guess that 
the place of concealment is eleven days’ journey 
from that island.” 

‘‘ This large river must be the Ottawa,” sug- 
gested Jean. 

‘^Probably, but not necessarily,” was Ormes- 
son’s thoughtful answer. ‘‘It may be one of its 
larger tributaries.” 

“It must be large enough to contain this is- 
land,” commented Pierre, as he placed his finger 
19 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


on a spot halfway down the drawing. The trader 
nodded and was about to speak when he was in- 
terrupted by a shriek of terror from Jean who, 
pointing to the uncurtained window near which 
they stood, exclaimed : 

A face ! Some one is watching us ! ” 

His father ran to the window, opened it and 
looked out, hut saw no one. At the same instant 
Ormesson and Pierre hurried to the door, and each 
taking a different direction ran around the house, 
but without result. They then parted, one running 
up the street, the other down, for some distance, but 
returned in a few minutes, panting from their exer- 
tions, but unsuccessful. The sky was deeply over- 
cast while a mist hung over the river and the Lower 
Town, making it difficult to discern a figure the 
size of a man more than a few paces off. 

Upon their return Jean was closely questioned 
concerning the reality of what he thought he had 
seen. 

“ I could not have been mistaken,’’ he main- 
tained stoutly. “ It was a human face, more like 
that of an Indian than a Frenchman, that was 
eagerly watching us. It was no friend either, for it 
scowled fiercely when I screamed.” 

20 


A CALL TO ARMS 


The appearance of this strange night visitor 
seemed to cast a chill of foreboding upon the little 
company. Ormesson folded up the copy they had 
been studying and handed it to Pierre. 

“ Place this in that oilskin belt I gave you to 
wear about your waist. Preserve it carefully and 
it may be of service to you all.” 

Pierre’s father placed the original document 
in its box and laid it in a drawer of the desk with- 
out locking it. After a half hour of desultory con- 
versation, all four retired to rest, the hoys wearied 
with the excitement of the day, their elders tilled 
with a strange anxiety. 

Soon silence reigned over the whole household. 
Pierre and Jean were fast asleep within five min- 
utes. Ormesson tossed uneasily in fitful dozes as 
the night wore on. The hoys’ father, after pacing 
the floor of his room for an hour, threw himself 
upon his bed fully dressed, hut not to sleep. A 
dread of some impending danger together with 
grief at the thought of the parting next day kept 
him wide awake. The great clock of the Chateau 
tolled the hour of two. The scurrying of rats in 
the wall startled him. The haying of a dog in the 
Lower Town smote upon his ears. Suddenly he 
21 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


started up. A slight noise in the room below 
alarmed him. Eising noiselessly and slipping off 
his boots, he seized a sword and hastily passed to 
the head of the stairs. Another sound as of some 
one moving about in the big room reached him. 
He descended the stairs rapidly but midway a 
board creaked ominously. A noise as of hasty 
flight came from below. He dashed down the re- 
maining steps and opened the door. A chilly 
blast blew against his face. A window was open. 
Hastily making a light and shouting for Ormesson, 
who came hurriedly down, they entered the room. 
Considerable disorder prevailed; all the drawers 
of the desk and other pieces of furniture had been 
pulled out and searched. Ormesson rushed to the 
one in which the mysterious document had been 
placed. It was empty. The original bit of oiled 
silk with its secret message, box and all, was gone. 


22 


CHAPTER III 


WHEBEIN AN EXPEDITION STAKTS AND A BASE 
PLOT IS REVEALED 

A HEARTY breakfast was eaten by candle- 
light and the strange event of the night 
discussed. Pierre examined the floor 
near the window and discovered the muddy print 
of a moccasin. 

“You see I was not mistaken. It must have 
been the same person I saw looking in at us,” ex- 
claimed Jean triumphantly. 

“Who can it be, I wonder,” was his father’s 
anxious query, “ who has a knowledge of the exist- 
ence of this store of skins? It is odd that he 
should have known about the curious drawing, 
stranger, too, that he should have appeared upon 
the scene only a few hours after we had discov- 
ered it.” 

“ Time alone will explain these mysteries,” re- 
plied Ormesson, “the occurrence, however, is un- 
fortunate for it has put our secret in the possession 
3 23 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


of an outsider and will add greatly to the hazard 
of the hoys’ adventure.” 

The other shuddered at the words. 

I wish this had not happened,” was all he said, 
hut the tender look of anxiety that filled his eyes 
as they rested on his sons showed the character of 
his thoughts more clearly than any number of 
words could have shown them. 

The hour of parting at last arrived. The lads, 
after one affectionate embrace of both father and 
uncle, picked up their firearms and blankets and 
ran quickly out of the house so as not to show 
their emotion, and strode down the street at a rapid 
pace, bravely whistling as they went. They were 
thus learning early one of the most distressing 
hardships of a soldier’s life — the pangs of parting 
from those knit close to him by the bonds of deep- 
est affection. 

In a short time they were marching down from 
the Citadel, in the rear of a company of two hun- 
dred soldiers, to the wharf of the Lower Town, 
whence the expedition was to set out. Here all 
was confusion for an hour, caused by the troops 
settling themselves in the fleet of canoes prepared 
for them, the bestowing of baggage in proper place, 
24 


A BASE PLOT 


the shouts of the helpers, the loud talking of the 
populace gathered to see them off, the crying of 
children frightened at the unwonted excitement, 
the harking of dogs and the general running to and 
fro of messengers hearing farewells from friends 
and relatives, or orders from the Governor. At 
last everything was in readiness and all awaited, 
paddle in hand, the word to start. Frontenac, 
standing at the water^s edge superintending the 
whole scene, waved his handkerchief and an in- 
stant later. Boom ! came the roar of a signal gun 
from the Fort. At the sound two hundred paddles 
struck the water, and the great flotilla moved off 
on its long journey, amid the shouts of farewell 
from a thousand throats and an answering cheer 
from the fleet. In a second of silence that fol- 
lowed, the three boys, who had a canoe to them- 
selves, heard two familiar voices cry Au re- 
voir!^^ and Bon voyage! and they knew that 
Ormesson and his brother-in-law had come down 
to get a last glimpse of them. The frail craft 
formed in a line four abreast, that passed swiftly 
up the river: a familiar chanson was raised in 
which all joined, dipping their paddles in unison 
with the rhythm of the music. A last faint cheer 
25 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


from the shore was heard and the expedition was 
fairly started. 

After a time, when the enthusiasm of the de- 
parture had subsided and the men had settled down 
to steady work, using long, easy strokes, silent save 
for an occasional jest, Pierre and Jean related to 
Frangois the adventures of the previous night. He 
opened his eyes wide with surprise and gave a long, 
low whistle. After a moment’s thoughtful silence, 
his face lighted up with excitement as a thought 
occurred to his mind. 

“ I think I can solve the mystery,” he exclaimed, 
“ for in the crowd as we marched down to the wharf 
I caught a glimpse of that half-breed son of your 
uncle.” 

‘ The Eat ’ ! ” exclaimed the two brothers in 
dismay. 

“ Yes, ‘ The Rat,’ ” replied Francois firmly. 
“ He has not been seen here since the day of your 
uncle’s death. His visits to Quebec always mean 
mischief. I would take my oath he was at the 
bottom of the disturbance last night.” 

The news of the probable identity of the mid- 
night intruder served to quiet the two brothers and 
set them thinking, as they sped noiselessly along. 

26 


A BASE PLOT 


This knowledge also brought to their minds great 
possibilities of danger in their quest for the lost 
skins, and helped to harden their determination 
to come otf victors in the conflict ahead of them. 

Four days elapsed, and Montreal was reached. 
Here fifty reinforcements were added to their num- 
ber and the party thus augmented hurried on to- 
ward the mouth of the Ottawa without delay. A 
landing was usually made an hour before sunset 
and a rude camp hastily arranged. It was the reg- 
ular duty of the three boys as scouts to plunge im- 
mediately into the forest and make a careful search 
in all directions for a league’s distance from the 
camp, in order to make sure that there were no 
signs of the close proximity of any savages. 

On the first evening after the Ottawa had been 
reached, an adventure occurred to Pierre that might 
easily have wrecked the purpose of the expedition. 
He had completed his part of the inspection of the 
surrounding district, and was returning after night- 
fall. He had reached a point a few hundred yards 
from the edge of the forest when he spied against 
the glare of the camp fires two figures approach- 
ing him. Knowing that it was against orders for 
any of the troops to enter the woods, lest they 
27 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

might become lost, he stepped behind the huge 
trunk of a tree and waited to learn, if possible, 
who it was that thus prowled about the camp 
after dark. His natural inference was that it was 
a couple of coureurs-de-hois, two score of whom 
had joined them at Montreal. These hardy trap- 
pers, or wood rangers, although many of them 
were outlaws, were splendid fighters, and Dorvil- 
liers, anxious to have as large a force as possible, 
had readily granted their request to go with him 
against the Indians, without inquiring too closely 
into their past life or imposing too many restric- 
tions on their conduct, which he knew would not 
be obeyed. 

The two figures approached Pierre in the gloom, 
talking earnestly in subdued voices. When they 
reached the other side of the tree behind which he 
was hiding, they stopped and he was able to hear 
distinctly all that was said. 

This is far enough away for safety,” growled 
one of them. Dorvilliers does not allow his pets 
to stray about in the woods, so there is no danger 
of our being overheard. He has a much larger 
force with him than I had expected, and one strong 
enough to force its way through. I hope your plan 
28 


A BASE PLOT 


is a good one, for if we fail in onr agreement 
with those red devils to turn back the expedi- 
tion, our scalps will not be worth a livre apiece 
to us.” 

“ Best easy, mon ami,^ was the calm rejoinder. 

It is necessary for us to succeed, as you say, then 
we must succeed. We may have to run severe 
risks, hut it must he done. My plan is very simple : 
deprive the expedition of its head. With Dorvil- 
liers out of the way, there is no one who might suc- 
ceed him capable of holding the soldiers to the 
purpose of their journey when they began to expe- 
rience what is ahead of them.” 

“ But how ? ” asked the other voice impatiently. 
^^He sticks close to camp and one would hardly 
dare to assassinate him before them all.” 

You might not, hut I would,” was the cool re- 
joinder. While making a portage, I shall work 
my way near to him and when the proper moment 
arrives shall put a bullet in his head and disappear 
in the forest before the dunces about him have had 
time to get over their surprise. Once under cover 
with a few seconds’ start, I need not fear their 
clownish pursuit.” 

A long-drawn breath of surprise was his com- 
29 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


panion’s only answer to this bold scheme. The 
other continued earnestly: 

‘‘Your part will be to mingle with the new 
troops and entertain them with tales of the redskins’ 
cruelty, their torture of prisoners and the like. 
This will tend to soften their courage and when 
they find themselves without a leader, they will be 
the first to suggest a quick return to safety. After 
I do my work, you can slip away and join me later 
at the meeting-place agreed upon. Come, let us 
lose no time; but return to the camp and you can 
begin this very night to tell the new recruits of the 
many perils they are about to encounter.” 

With these words the two men set off at a lei- 
surely pace, while Pierre issued from his place of 
concealment and followed them at a safe distance 
in his endeavor to learn their identity. He was 
unsuccessful, however, as the conspirators had 
mingled with the groups of men in camp by the 
time he emerged from the forest. 

There was but one thing for him to do and that 
was to report at once to his leader this design upon 
his life. Luckily he found him sitting alone upon 
a log in front of the fire smoking industriously, yet 
with an eye alert to all that was going on about 
30 


A BASE PLOT 


him. He was a younger son of a noble family who 
had come to New France content to draw his sword 
for his King, even though it might be in obscurity. 
Young, generous, frank, brave as a lion and pos- 
sessed of a winning personality, he made many 
friends and was loved devotedly by his own men. 
He had thus early captured the regard of the three 
boys, and had taken a strong interest in them be- 
cause of the many qualities of heart and mind, 
similar to his own, that he detected in their youth- 
ful natures. He greeted Pierre with a welcoming 
smile: 

^‘Have my brave scouts discovered a nest of 
savage hornets ready to assail us, or does the for- 
est present its usual tranquil aspect? ” 

‘‘White devils instead of red are the only 
ones to be feared at present, monsieur,” replied 
Pierre soberly. 

“ilfa foi! and have we treason to combat; in- 
side enemies as well as outside foes ? Come, mon 
ami, and sit beside me on this log and tell me what 
you have discovered. Speak low and in a manner 
as though we conversed of ordinary matters. Un- 
friendly eyes may be at this very moment observ- 
ing us closely.” 


31 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


Pierre obeyed bis bidding and related calmly 
what he had learned of the diabolical plot. When 
he had finished, Dorvilliers was silent a moment, 
then blowing a succession of smoke rings in a lazy 
manner exclaimed with a sigh of relief : 

Grace d Dieu! it has nothing to do with my 
soldier boys. They are faithful I know, to a man. 
It is only among these dare-devil coureurs-de-hois 
that the danger lurks. He that will have fire must 
bear with smoke. I realized that they were an un- 
ruly lot when I permitted them to join us, but I did 
not suppose any would be so base as to side with the 
Indians against their own countrymen. They are 
such splendid fighters and know the ways of the 
savages so thoroughly I felt that they would be 
a real help to me.” 

Pierre was astonished at the man’s coolness and 
lack of personal anxiety. He waited for a time 
expecting to receive some instructions or to hear 
some plan proposed for the thwarting of the con- 
spirators’ purpose. Finding his companion re- 
mained silent, he asked earnestly : 

‘‘Will you not employ measures to safeguard 
yourself against the attack of these traitors, mon- 
sieur? ” 


32 


A BASE PLOT 


Dorvilliers smiled at his anxiety. 

“ What would you 1 We do not know who these 
would-be murderers are, and are not likely to un- 
til the moment of their attempt arrives. To banish 
all this wild set from our ranks would but cause 
them to desert to the Indians in a body out of re- 
venge for such summary treatment. No, mon ami, 
we can do nothing but wait, meanwhile watching 
carefully lest these scoundrels betray themselves 
by word or action. The knowledge of the existence 
of this plot must not be spread about among the 
troops or the guilty ones might change their plans.” 

Then after a few moments of thoughtful silence 
he added: 

‘^Explain the situation carefully to your two 
companions. WTien we have occasion to make a 
portage, do you three keep at my heels and should 
a coureur-de-bois approach, watch him as a cat does 
a mouse and, if he makes a hostile movement, shoot 
him down. You have my authority. And now 
leave me, we must not be seen conversing too long 
or earnestly. I thank you heartily for what you 
have done and shall remember it. Good-night.” 

Pierre withdrew, and seeking out his compan- 
ions, imparted the news to their eager ears during 
33 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


the evening meal. They were highly indignant at 
the presence of such treachery and lay down to 
rest resolving that they would do all in their power 
to protect their beloved commander, little dream- 
ing how soon they would be called on for action. 

Early the next afternoon it was found necessary 
to make a long portage. Obedient to instructions, 
the three hoys walked close behind their leader, 
keeping careful watch of every one that drew near 
during the confusion of the land tramp. All 
seemed engaged about their own affairs, busy in 
making as rapid progress as possible over the un- 
even path. The soldiers, unaccustomed to such 
travel, perspired under their loads as they toiled 
along. The coureurs-de-hois on their part made 
easier work, due to long familiarity with similar 
situations. 

When the distance was about half covered, 
Pierre noticed that one of the coureurs-dedjois 
gradually edged up toward them and, after giving 
him a rough but hearty greeting walked alongside, 
occasionally making some remark regarding the 
ruggedness of their path, or telling a story from 
his rich experience in the wilds. Their route soon 
led them through a swampy bit of land, covered 
34 


A BASE PLOT 


with tufts of rank grass between which the soil sat- 
urated with moisture quaked beneath their tread. 
This condition of affairs made the way still more 
difl&cult and in places dangerous, so that conversa- 
tion as a rule ceased entirely, as each man devoted 
his entire attention to his own movements. At a 
moment when the party were busy picking their 
way carefully, stepping upon the firmer places, and 
Pierre’s companion was in the midst of telling of a 
similar swamp, only larger, situated a hundred 
miles farther north, he suddenly without warning, 
and while still talking, raised his gun and took a 
hasty aim at Dorvilliers’ hack. Pierre, although 
on the. alert, was taken a little by surprise and was 
unable to do more than strike the muzzle of the 
rascal’s gun upward the same instant that it went 
off. His sudden action caused the party to halt 
suddenly, but no one seemed to realize for an in- 
stant what had happened. Even the three boys 
who had been waiting expectantly for just this very 
moment, now that it had come, seemed powerless 
to act. With a cry of rage at being thus balked 
in his murderous purpose, the man made a bolt 
for the woods some thirty yards to one side. In 
his haste, however, he slipped on a bunch of grass 
35 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


and dropped his gun. Not stopping to pick it up, 
he recovered his balance and hurried on. 

Dorvilliers, who, at the sound of the shot, had 
wheeled quickly about, raised his hand to deter any 
of his followers from action, preferring to bring 
the villain down himself. As he took aim, the man 
floundered into a hole up to his knees. Dorvilliers 
hesitated. Extricating himself with difficulty, the 
fugitive took another step that sunk him deeper in 
the ooze and quicksand than before. Then it was 
that he found himself stuck fast and gradually 
sinking farther. Turning half around he called 
for help, but Dorvilliers who had grasped the situ- 
ation and lowered his gun, motioned that he he left 
alone. The man’s struggle by this time had caused 
him to sink to the waist. His position was indeed 
perilous. Without assistance, he realized that he 
was doomed to a horrible death. On seeing that no 
aid was forthcoming, he cursed vilely the group 
of onlookers held spellbound by the terrible sight. 
A moment of extreme tension for all passed. The 
unfortunate had now disappeared almost to the 
shoulders. In an agony of despair he held out his 
arms toward his former companions beseeching 
them to shoot him and thus end his misery. Pierre 
36 


A BASE PLOT 


and Frangois turned pale while Jean shuddered 
and hid his face in his hands. A moment more 
and only the man’s neck and head were visible. He 
was speechless now, hut his eyes gleamed alter- 
nately with hatred and terror. A few seconds, and 
they were closed forever. The work of destruction 
went on so rapidly that in another minute where, 
but a brief time before a man had stood, there was 
only to be seen a dark, slimy pool. The treacher- 
ous earth had meted out fit punishment for his 
villainy. Even Dorvilliers was moved and, as 
the last vestige of his enemy disappeared, shud- 
dered as he said in an impressive voice : 

Thus perish all traitors ! ” 

A moment later the march was resumed in si- 
lence, a strange awe falling upon all who had wit- 
nessed the dreadful spectacle. That night in camp 
it was rumored that another coureur-de-hois had 
mysteriously disappeared. It was the dead man’s 
partner in crime whose accusing conscience filled 
him with an unutterable fear of being found out 
and drove him to the solitudes of the forest, rather 
than remain among his countrymen whose ven- 
geance he dreaded. 


37 


CHAPTER IV 


TELLS HOW A CRISIS WAS REACHED AND A 
HEROIC RESOLVE MADE 

T he tragic death of the man who had made 
the dastardly attempt upon the life of the 
leader of the war party had an unfortunate 
etfect upon the relations between the regular sol- 
diers and the remaining coureurs-de-hois. The 
former looked with suspicion upon their irregular 
allies, while the latter, although denouncing in un- 
measured terms the crime of their associate, de- 
claring themselves loyal to Horvilliers and the pur- 
pose of the expedition, resented the fact that no 
effort had been made to rescue their unfortunate 
comrade, claiming the right for him of being tried 
and shot for treason the same as any soldier. This 
friction increased rapidly during the next two days 
and on the morning of the third the camp was re- 
lieved to find that the entire group of coureurs-de 
hois had stolen away during the night and started 
on their return journey to Montreal. 

38 


A CRISIS 


The next day a serious accident occurred. Dor- 
villiers, while a portage was being made, stepped 
on a moss-grown log and fell, spraining an ankle 
severely. His pain was so great that the party 
went into camp for forty-eight hours. Finding 
his agony growing worse, he realized that his use- 
fulness was at an end. So he sent for Lieutenant 
Viger, whom he appointed to the command of the 
expedition. After a long harangue to the men in 
which he praised their previous conduct and stead- 
fastness of purpose, he exhorted them to remain 
loyal to their new leader as they had been to him, 
detached twenty-five of the soldiers to act as a 
guard, and embarked in great suffering for Quebec. 

The loss of their chief and the weakening of 
their force by the withdrawal of his body-guard 
decidedly dampened the ardor of those who re- 
mained. The new commander, Viger, although a 
brave and generally efficient soldier, had had but 
little experience in Indian warfare, hence he did 
not possess their full confidence, nor was he per- 
sonally able to arouse their enthusiasm as Dorvil- 
liers could. To add to these difficulties, a series of 
hardships ensued. A belated cold spell occurred 
during which some of the new troops were badly 
4 39 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


frozen, while countless ears and noses were nipped 
by the frosty air. Then, too, their gradual approach 
to the enemy’s country necessitated the stopping of 
all hunting by the friendly Indians accompanying 
them, who heretofore had kept the camp well sup- 
plied with fresh game. Notwithstanding these 
trials, the men pushed on, grumbling among them- 
selves, hut without any outspoken complaints. 

As the savages were likely to he met any day, 
Viger instructed the three hoys to proceed several 
hours ahead of the main body in order to spy out 
if possible, any signs of their dreaded foes. 

One afternoon, while paddling silently among 
the shadows of the left bank, a distant gunshot 
was heard in front of them. After proceeding 
cautiously for some distance, they landed, and hid- 
ing their canoe, proceeded on foot in the direction 
from which the sound had come. Carefully work- 
ing their way through the woods, they were able 
to approach an Indian camp containing about fifty 
warriors, without detection. The braves, although 
in full war paint, were lazily lying about the en- 
campment apparently unconscious of the approach 
of a superior hostile force, depending on their out- 
posts, whom the boys had evaded, to notify them 
40 


A CRISIS 


in time if any danger appeared. Having gathered 
all the information they conld, the yonng scouts 
withdrew without betraying their presence, and 
returned in haste to the main body which they 
found disembarking for the night at a point on the 
river about two leagues below. 

They reported the state of affairs to their leader, 
who gave immediate orders that no tires should he 
lighted and that no unnecessary noise be made. 
The men sat around upon the ground shivering 
and eating the unsavory food served out to them in 
silence. Their nearness to savage foes recalled to 
their minds the many tales of cruelty and butchery 
they had heard from the coureurs-de-bois, and they 
eyed the near-by forest with furtive looks as 
though expecting to see dark forms creeping out 
upon them. Night soon came on and made matters 
worse. The weird cries of the owls caused them 
to start in nervous apprehension, while the mourn- 
ful sound of the wind among the pines seemed to 
their affrighted ears to foretell disaster and defeat. 

This state of inaction and suspense was finally 
relieved. At midnight the command was given 
them to enter their canoes noiselessly, and the em 
tire force proceeded cautiously up the river. A 
41 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


short distance below the place of the Indian camp^ 
one half of the troops were landed and ordered 
after a two hours’ halt, to approach the enemy. 

The remainder, under the Lieutenant, led by the 
three boys, paddled to the opposite side of the 
river, then proceeded with the utmost secrecy past 
the savage encampment whose low-burning fires 
were plainly visible. A score of men were left be- 
hind to drift down the stream so as to cut off escape 
by water. The remainder landed above and si- 
lently advanced, spreading out through the woods 
as they progressed. Thus did the French have the 
redskins practically surrounded. 

At last the first gray streaks of dawn appeared. 
When it grew a little lighter, a signal gun was fired 
and the troops rushed upon the unsuspecting en- 
emy. The savages, taken entirely by surprise, for 
several of their sentries had been captured and de- 
spatched in the dark, were shot down without mercy 
in their bewilderment. A brisk half hour of con- 
flict and the victory was complete. Two prisoners 
only were taken; the rest lay dead upon the ground 
near the spot where they had been asleep. It was 
not known that any had escaped. 

One strange episode occurred during the attack. 
42 


A CRISIS 


Lieutenant Viger, while aiming at one of the luck- 
less savages, was surprised at hearing him cry out 
in perfect French: 

Sauvez-moij je suis Frangais! (“ Save me, I 
am French”). 

On investigation the supposed redskin proved 
to be a French officer. La Plante by name, 
captured by the Indians in a raid on La Chine 
some three years before. He had been treated 
as a slave all this time, performing the most 
menial offices for his red masters. They had 
forced him to assume their dress, so that it 
was no wonder that in the half light of early 
morning he should have been mistaken for a 
foe. His joy at his deliverance knew no bounds. 
He was quickly fitted out with civilized garments 
so that he was able to sit down to breakfast with 
the Lieutenant as an honored guest. After send- 
ing out a number of men on picket duty, among 
whom were the three boys. Lieutenant Viger or- 
dered the rest of his command to seek their much- 
needed sleep. 

While engaged in this task, Jean discovered 
at a point some distance otf a half-conscious Indian 
who had managed to crawl away undetected. He 
43 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


was very much exhausted through loss of blood 
from a wound in the back, but was intent on making 
his escape although so terribly weakened that he 
had to stop every few paces and rest before creep- 
ing any farther. Jean saw on his approach that 
he was unarmed and incapable of harming him. 
His first idea was that of conveying him to camp 
as a prisoner ; but the utter helplessness of his foe 
appealed to his tender heart and awakened within 
him thoughts of mercy. He accordingly examined 
the wound and, bringing water in his cap, bathed 
it tenderly. After tearing his shirt into strips, he 
bound the wound up carefully so that all bleeding 
ceased. He also gave the sufferer a few swallows 
of brandy which aided materially in restoring the 
redskin’s strength. The latter watched these pro- 
ceedings curiously and, when finally it dawned 
upon him that his enemy meant only kindness, the 
look of hatred and suspicion faded from his eyes. 
Jean also offered him food from his pouch which 
was eaten ravenously. By this time the fugitive 
was sitting up. 

If you feel able,” suggested Jean, apprehen- 
sive lest some of the other scouts approach, “I 
would advise you to start. There is your way,” 
44 


A CRISIS 


pointing throngli the woods, go, and some day 
when you find a wounded Frenchman, treat him 
as I have treated you, instead of taking his scalp/’ 
When the Indian realized that Jean had not 
only relieved his sufferings, hut that he offered to 
allow him to escape, his whole hearing changed. 
He arose with great dignity and replied in broken 
French : 

The Little Hunter is brave and will one day 
be a great chief among his people. The Great 
Manitou has made his skin white but has given him 
a big heart. If Onontio at Quebec had sent more 
men like Little Hunter into the forest, my tribe and 
the French would be at peace. Winnatoka will al- 
ways remember Little Hunter and will sing of his 
goodness in the lodges of his people.” 

With these closing words he turned without a 
gesture of farewell and stalked noiselessly away, 
and in a moment was lost to view. 

Jean stood leaning upon his gun watching the 
retreating figure. 

Humph!” he muttered in disgust. “Not 
even a ‘ thank you ’ for letting him off I The red- 
skins must be an ungrateful lot. Perhaps it’s only 
their way, but I doubt not, if we were ever to meet 
45 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


again and he had the chance, he would run his knife 
over my scalp without a twinge of conscience. 
Nevertheless, I’m glad I let him otf easily. He was 
as helpless as a baby when I found him and it 
would have been mean to have taken advantage 
of his weakness.” 

When the lads were relieved from duty, Jean 
related his experience to Francois and his brother. 
From the latter he received a sharp reproof: 

You have fine ideas of a soldier’s duty, haven’t 
you, letting this redskin escape so he can warn the 
rest that we are coming? You may yet foil the 
purpose of the expedition with your chicken-heart- 
edness ! ” 

FranQois looked very grave. 

Pierre is right about his giving the alarm, but 
there’s no use scolding or regretting now ; the harm, 
if any, is done and can’t be mended.” 

Then seeing Jean’s troubled face he clapped 
him kindly on the shoulder adding : 

Never mind, mon ami, you did it from a good 
motive. If there was a little more humanity shown 
in the wilds by the French, I doubt not there would 
be less trouble with the redskins.” 

After further discussion, it was deemed best not 
46 


A CRISIS 


to mention the occurrence to anyone in camp, not 
even to their leader. It would only bring down 
blame on Jean’s young shoulders for his indiscre- 
tion, while nothing could he done to offset the pos- 
sible harm done. 

The next morning it was reported that a canoe 
laden with provisions, a small keg of brandy, and 
a gun and ammunition had disappeared during the 
night. The three boys exchanged a glance of in- 
telligence, knowing full well who had been the 
thief, but said nothing. Jean, the young rascal, 
secretly rejoiced at the news, as he realized that 
Winnatoka had obtained the means of returning to 
his own people in safety. 

This bit of excitement was swallowed up in an 
event of far greater importance. It was noticed 
that on the previous evening the soldiers gathered 
about the two prisoners with much interest, and, 
after talking with them at some length retired in 
groups, conversing earnestly among themselves 
with much headshaking. 

When the usual morning command to embark 
was given. Lieutenant Viger was surprised to find 
that the troops loitered about the camp instead of 
obeying with their accustomed alacrity. He re- 
47 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


peated the command in person, but with the same 
result. Furious, he drew his sword and advancing 
to a group exclaimed : 

“What does this mean! Mutiny! ” 

One of the men, acting as spokesman, took a 
step forward and saluted respectfully ; 

“ Not mutiny, hut self-preservation. We have 
learned that your information in regard to the num- 
ber of savages to he encountered is incorrect. 
There are enough ahead of us to exterminate a 
force double the strength of ours.” 

“ And do you mean to consider one howling sav- 
age the equal in combat of a soldier of France ! ” 
was the Lieutenant’s contemptuous query. 

“ No, hut when it is ten to one, fighting not in 
the open, hut from behind rocks and trees, we do,” 
was the calm rejoinder. “Not a man of us hut 
what is loyal to King and Colony, and would as- 
sault the very Citadel of Quebec itself were that in 
the hands of an enemy, if there were the slightest 
hope of success. But here it is different. No sol- 
dier is called upon to commit suicide in a hopeless 
cause. The men have learned from the prisoners 
of the number awaiting them, and one and all re- 
fuse to proceed.” 


48 


A CRISIS 


The Lieutenant bit his lip with rage but con- 
trolled himself. 

Bring the prisoners to me,” he commanded, 
and I will question them before you all, and force 
their lying lips for once to speak the truth.” 

La Plante, the rescued officer, now approached 
and learned the state of affairs from the Lieutenant. 

They lie, the dogs,” he exclaimed passion- 
ately. There are not fifty redskins on the whole 
Ottawa. ’Tis true there were a thousand; hut on 
hearing of an approaching force of regulars, they 
quickly set out for their homes. Only a few scat- 
tered hands remain, who, like the one destroyed 
yesterday, have tarried too long.” 

The prisoners, securely hound, were placed be- 
fore the Lieutenant. He turned in triumph to the 
soldiers who had gathered round to listen to La 
Plante ; 

“ Now, whom will you believe, these lying curs 
or one of your own race ? ” 

No reply was made, hut he could see that the 
men remained unconvinced. 

Raising his sword, he rested the point lightly 
upon the breast of one of the prisoners : 

‘‘ Speak truth, redskin, or this sword will cut 
49 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


your lying, murderous heart in twain,” he cried 
with a menacing air. “ Tell me how many more 
of your tribe are encamped upon or near the 
Ottawa! ” 

The savage did not wince before the danger to 
which he was exposed. When the Lieutenant 
ceased speaking, he replied : 

u great white chief has an evil spirit that 
rages within him, but I will tell him what he wants 
to know.” Then nodding with his head toward 
the woods he continued solemnly: ‘^You see the 
forest is full of trees along the Ottawa. My peo- 
ple that await you are so many that two warriors 
would have to hide behind each tree.” 

Enraged at this reply, the Lieutenant with a 
snarl of fury plunged his sword through the cap- 
tive’s chest who fell dead at his feet without a 
sound. A murmur of disapproval arose on all 
sides, although no action was taken. Lieutenant 
Viger, who at heart was of a brave and generous 
nature, felt ashamed of his act; but advancing his 
blade, still glistening with the blood of his victim, 
to the breast of the other savage, he made once 
again the same threat and asked the same question. 
The Indian, although he knew that an identical fate 
50 


A CRISIS 


was in store for him, never faltered, but looking 
bis questioner calmly in the eye replied firmly : 

My brother has spoken.’^ 

The Lieutenant with an inarticulate oath flung 
his sword to the ground and retired raging to his 
quarters. La Plante picked up his weapon and 
after cleaning it, joined him, the two remaining in 
consultation the rest of the day. The troops feel- 
ing their position secure lounged about the camp 
awaiting the time when their leader, bowing to the 
inevitable, would give the command for their re- 
turn home. 

The three hoys, reclining apart beneath a tree, 
discussed the situation among themselves. Pierre 
proceeded to relieve his pent-up feelings. 

‘‘ It is a shame for real soldiers to turn cowards 
in the face of difficulty. If I were the Governor, 
when this party arrives at Quebec, I should pack 
the whole lot off to France with a letter to the King 
asking him to send men, not panic-stricken fools.’' 

I heartily agree with you, ” replied Frangois 
in a disgusted tone. “ But what hurts me most is 
the realization that the purpose of the expedition 
will have to be given up.” 

Jean chewed a pine-needle in moody silence. 
51 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


Presently his eyes sparkled and a spot of color 
glowed beneath the tan of his cheeks. “ It must 
not he given up ! ” he exclaimed with conviction. 
“ It shan’t he done. Shame on us all if there be 
found none to carry out the Governor’s design. I 
for one shall volunteer to go on, if I have to do it 
alone.” 

Bravo ! ” cried Francois. Your idea is ex- 
cellent. Why shouldn’t we three press on to Mich- 
ilimackinac, finding out on the way just what dan- 
gers may threaten the trappers and their furs? 
We can report to them, and if we find, as I think, 
but few enemies to oppose their progress (for I 
believe La Plante knows what he is talking about) 
the fleet can yet come through in safety and the 
Colony be helped. On our return we can take up 
the matter of searching for the lost cargo of skins 
that your father needs so badly.” 

And all this time ‘ The Rat ’ will be helping 
himself to them at his leisure,” growled Pierre. 

Which ought to be first in our minds,” asked 
J ean gravely, our duty to the Colony or our pri- 
vate atf airs ? ” 

Pierre received this gentle rebuke in good part. 

“Right you are, Jean. I was but expressing 
52 


A CRISIS 


the first selfish thought that came into my head. 
Had we not better tell the Lieutenant of our plan? 

They sought an interview with their leader, who 
was still with La Plante. Frangois acted as 
spokesman. 

“We three have decided an important matter 
among ourselves and wish our commander’s ap- 
proval of the scheme,” he began ; but he was inter- 
rupted by the Lieutenant, who said bitterly : 

“ Why then do you come to me ! The command 
of this expedition seems to rest in the hands of 
every chicken-livered trooper that chooses to exer- 
cise it. I receive orders, I do not give them.” 
Then with an effort he continued : “ But come, 
speak what is in your mind, it will at least prove 
diverting.” 

Frangois proceeded, and as he did so the lead- 
er’s eyes sparkled with delight. When he had 
finished, the Lieutenant slapped his thigh in admi- 
ration. 

“ Grace d Dieu! ” he exclaimed turning to La 
Plante, “ there are to be found some brave hearts 
in the company, even though they beat in the 
breasts of babes. You have my full permission, 
mes amis, to carry out this daring scheme. The 
53 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

rest of us start for Quebec at daybreak like a pack 
of whipped curs. Leave whenever you please and 
take whatever you deem necessary in the way of 
supplies or ammunition. God bless your brave 
souls ! ” And the impulsive officer wrung the 
hands of each. 

After they had left, he turned to La Plante with 
a sigh : 

“ Their enthusiasm borders upon rashness. 
Perhaps I should have forbidden them. I did 
what I thought best. If they succeed, the ma- 
terial interests of the Colony are saved. If they 
fail,” with a shrug of the shoulders,, there will 
be three mouths less for the Governor to feed in 
Quebec next winter.” 


54 


CHAPTER V 


IlSr WHICH AN ENEMY IS MET AND MISFOB- 
TUNE ENSUES 

P romptly at daybreak did the expedition 
begin what was in effect an ignominious 
retreat. They had penetrated into the en- 
emy’s country, won a complete victory in the only 
action in which they had taken part, yet had sud- 
denly become panic-stricken owing to the tales of 
the trappers and their own imagination. Brave 
men have done worse than that before and since. 
In reality they were conquered by the element of 
mystery, mystery as to the number of their foes, and 
their known secret methods of appearing, striking 
a blow and vanishing, only to reappear when least 
expected or desired. It took years of constant serv- 
ice in the Colony before a soldier, fresh from the 
battlefields of Europe, could unlearn all that he had 
been taught by the best drill masters of the age, and 
adapt himself to a mode of warfare that knew 
nothing of battalion or company action, but de- 
5 55 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

pended entirely upon individual activity from be- 
hind a tree or rock or rotting log. Lieutenant 
Viger, when his anger and chagrin had worn away, 
understood the situation thoroughly and realized 
that he was powerless to affect the determination 
of the men not to proceed. He accordingly made 
the best of a bad affair and stood upon the shore 
wrapped in his military cloak superintending the 
embarkation with a dignified calmness. His was 
the last canoe to turn its prow homeward, and from 
his seat in the stem he waved a cordial adieu to 
the three boys, who stood on the shore beside their 
own frail craft until the rearguard of the party 
was lost to sight behind a distant bend of the river. 

Now that the excitement at first attending their 
brave resolution had subsided, something of a re- 
action set in. Not that they regretted for one 
moment the stand that they had taken, but the sight 
of the departure of their comrades brought a re- 
alization not only of the dangers and hardships of 
their course, but an added sense of responsibility, as 
they thought seriously of all that the success or fail- 
ure of their attempt meant to the present and future 
welfare of the Colony. A crisis had arisen which 
the doughty Frontenac had striven to meet with all 
56 


AN ENEMY IS MET 

the resources at his command; hut he had failed. 
Men old enough to be their fathers and trained to 
a life of danger had shrunk hack when put to the 
test. On their youthful shoulders now lay the com- 
pletion of the task which their elders had laid down. 
If they failed, no blame would attach to them. If 
they succeeded in the great undertaking, great 
praise would he their due. These sober thoughts 
tended to check the natural impulse to proceed at 
once upon their journey, so they sat down upon 
the river’s edge to take council as to what was the 
best thing to do first. 

After an hour’s conversation it was decided 
that, owing to the probable near presence of the 
redskins in unknown force, it would be safer to pro- 
ceed up the river only at night. The friendly dark- 
ness would minimize their risk of discovery and 
augment the chance of their being able to reach 
their destination without unnecessary delay. The 
canoe was accordingly hidden in the bushes and the 
three sought repose instead of action. 

At dusk after a hearty meal they set forth, and 
the second and more perilous portion of their jour- 
ney was begun. The night passed without incident 

and daylight found them and their canoe hidden 

57 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


away from too curious eyes. During the second 
evening there occurred their first mishap. 

They had been paddling for about two hours 
after dark and were proceeding rapidly along their 
route, the cold night air giving zest to their efforts, 
when suddenly they shot by a projecting point of 
land and found themselves full in the glare of a 
good-sized fire on the shore about which three or 
four stalwart forms were standing. An impene- 
trable thicket covering the point had shut off all 
signs of light to one coming from their direction. 
The hearts of the three seemed to cease beating for 
an instant. As if by one common thought, they 
shipped their paddles noiselessly and threw them- 
selves flat in the bottom of the canoe. Their only 
hope was that when their momentum had ceased 
the current would carry them back down the river 
again out of the illuminated area before those on 
shore had noticed their approach. No sound from 
the encampment indicated that they had been dis- 
covered. 

Gradually the speed of the canoe slackened until 
it finally stopped. Then, after a moment’s hesita- 
tion, the current seized it and began to carry it in 
the desired direction. The boys lay breathless in 
58 


AN ENEMY IS MET 

their uncomfortable position straining every ear 
to catch any suspicious sound. Once only were 
they alarmed by what proved to he the gurgling 
of the water under their hows. After a time 
Francois shifted his position slightly so that he 
could look up to the sky and see if the reflection of 
the fire was still observable. If it was not, he 
knew that they had drifted back behind the pro- 
jecting point to a place of safety. He was dis- 
mayed to find the glare not only visible but appar- 
ently growing brighter as he watched. A moment 
or two and he was convinced that they were drift- 
ing steadily near the shore. He was still cogitat- 
ing as to what had best be done when the canoe 
touched the bank with a slight shock and he be- 
held the ferocious face of a savage, daubed gen- 
erously with war paint, looking down at him. 

Realizing that further attempts at concealment 
were useless, the three lads sat up and found them- 
selves moored to the hank by the stalwart arm of 
a redskin, while two others stood over them gun 
in hand. A fourth waded out of the water. The 
mystery was explained. They had evidently been 
seen at the time of their appearance and one of 
the Indians swimming noiselessly out to them, had 
59 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


gently guided their canoe to shore without their 
knowledge. Their position was perilous in the 
extreme, hut there was no help for it. To attempt 
to escape was folly as at least two of them would 
be instantly shot. The danger must be resolutely 
faced with the hope that an opportunity for flight 
might arise later. 

Accordingly, at a gesture from one who seemed 
to be the leader of the band, the boys arose from 
their cramped position and stepped ashore. One 
of their captors hauled the canoe high up on land 
and began to explore with curious fingers all that 
it contained. The prisoners were led to the fire 
where their ankles were securely bound by withes 
made out of the wild grapevine. After being de- 
prived of their hunting knives they were allowed 
the free use of their arms, and some food was placed 
before them. The leader waited politely until the 
prisoners had finished, then bound their wrists 
and left them for the night. Soon the camp was 
quiet, all of the Indians going to sleep without 
bothering their minds concerning the prisoners, 
evidently trusting to their bonds to keep them 
from escaping. 

The boys conversed in whispers. 

60 


AN ENEMY IS MET 


“ Isn’t this just our luck,” groaned Pierre, to 
run into danger with our eyes wide open? ” 

blame myself for our capture,” replied 
FranQois. We should have traveled more slowly 
and carefully.” 

J ean hastened to defend his friend from his own 
censure : 

It wasn’t anyone’s fault as far as I can see. 
We were all equally to blame.” Then after a pause : 
‘‘I suppose that this is one of the small parties 
Monsieur La Plante told about. I am glad it is no 
larger. It will he a pity if the three of us cannot 
give four savages the slip.” 

One of the Indians having awakened and risen to 
tend the fire, came over to the group and examined 
their fetters. For some reason his suspicions were 
aroused that they might he plotting to escape, so 
after dragging them farther apart he lay down 
beside them and went to sleep once more. The 
lads believing that no imminent harm threat- 
ened them, quickly followed suit, realizing that 
perhaps they would need all their strength on the 
morrow. 

While eating breakfast the whole party was sur- 
prised at hearing a human call from the opposite 
61 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


shore. A solitary figure standing there was seen 
to plunge into the water. He soon landed, drip- 
ping like a spaniel. The savage appeared very 
much exhausted, hut possessed of a voracious ap- 
petite. When this was satisfied, he wrapped him- 
self up in a blanket and sank down beside the fire 
to sleep. 

The remaining braves gathered together and 
conversed in subdued voices. Judging from the 
frequent glances cast in their direction, the topic 
under discussion was the disposal of the captives. 
Three seemed united in one plan, while they were 
vigorously opposed by the fourth, who spoke rap- 
idly and with much earnestness, although in tones 
so low that the boys were able to catch but a few 
words. They made out, however, that the three 
wished to take the prisoners home with them and 
adopt them into the tribe, while the suggestive 
gestures about the scalp-lock of the fourth told 
pretty plainly that he advocated more summary 
proceedings. 

Promptly at noon the newcomer awoke and 
called for more food. When this was dispatched, 
he intimated that he was ready to relate his adven- 
tures. Accordingly, he was quickly surrounded 
62 


AN ENEMY IS MET 

by the four, who gave close attention to his dis- 
course. 

‘‘ Look out for trouble,” muttered Francois. 
“ From all I can make out that half-starved brute 
is one that escaped from the hand we helped to de- 
stroy four days ago. The others evidently are in 
ignorance of our expedition having been so near. 
When they learn how the camp and all that com- 
posed it were wiped out of existence, there will be 
a howl.” 

Frangois was correct. The hearers restrained 
their agitation for some time, but when the warrior 
reached the point in his tale where he told of the 
slaughter of practically all but himself, a terrific 
yell burst from the four savage throats, and 
cries of anger and vengeance quickly followed as 
their eyes fell upon the hapless prisoners. The 
leader restrained them, however, and after a few 
moments of additional consultation the group 
broke up. 

The leader approached the boys with every ap- 
pearance of friendliness, released their wrists and 
loosened their ankle bonds so that the circulation 
was no longer impeded and they could take tiny 
steps. He brought them food, told them that they 
63 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


could move about the camp at pleasure and left 
them to their own devices. 

Frangois looked very grave at this turn of af- 
fairs. He knew that immediately preceding some 
of their most shocking barbarities the redskins usu- 
ally overpowered the prisoners destined for the 
torture with kindly attentions. Their captors were 
naturally filled with vengeful feelings as a result 
of the recent battle and, worst of all, seemed to be 
of one mind, all arguing among them having 
ceased. This boded ill for the future disposition 
of the captives. 

The newcomer was the only one who did not 
seemingly ignore their presence. He walked up 
to them and looked them over with eyes fairly blaz- 
ing with hatred and savage animosity. He seemed 
to have especially vindictive feelings against J ean. 
Probably the idea that so small and young a lad 
was on the active warpath against his tribe rankled 
in his breast. Finally his evil desires overcame 
him and he took pleasure in tormenting the youth ^ 
by pinching his arms and legs and slapping his 
cheeks sharply. Jean was unmoved for a while, 
but after one especially atrocious pinch his anger 
flashed forth and he gave the redskin a quick, 
64 


AN ENEMY IS MET 

hard blow in the eye with his fist that closed, tem- 
porarily at least, that useful organ of vision for 
its owner, as he fell sprawling on his back. 

A howl of rage ensued, and the Indian jumping 
to his feet seized the reckless boy and dragged him 
to the other side of the camp where he placed him 
standing with his back against a huge forest tree. 

‘‘I make papoose jump,” he cried, as he re- 
tired some twenty paces off. Picking up a hatchet 
from the ground, he hurled it at Jean’s head, his in- 
tent being to come as near as possible to him with- 
out actual injury. Jean did not enter into this 
sort of sport with any degree of enthusiasm. So, 
when he saw the flashing weapon coming through 
the air at him, he hobbled to one side allowing it 
to bury its sharp edge in the tree trunk behind him. 
In an instant he had wrenched it loose, leaned down, 
and at one blow released his ankles and stood erect 
again freed from all restraint, and with a danger- 
ous weapon in his hand. 

A cry of alarm rose from the other four red- 
skins who, up to this time, had remained passive 
spectators of the scene. It did not at all suit their 
purpose to have an unbound captive in their midst 
armed with one of their own battle-axes. Jean’s 
65 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


assailant, enraged at the boy’s cleverness, drew, 
another hatchet from his belt and let it drive full 
at the youth with murderous intent. It was lucky 
for Jean that he and Pierre had often in sport 
practiced tossing and catching by the handle both 
hatchets and knives until they had become quite 
expert. The result was that he dexterously caught 
the flying weapon in his unoccupied hand and then, 
seeing that his enemy was about to make a rush 
upon him, he returned the hatchet with such skill 
that it caught the onrushing savage in the forehead, 
causing him to fall dead at his feet. 

Jean was greatly taken aback at the success of 
his stroke. It had been an instinctive blow struck 
in pure self-defense, a fact that, although it might 
serve to ease his own conscience, would by no 
means be taken into consideration by the dead 
, man’s friends. In fact they were already bent 
upon revenge for, each seizing the nearest weapon, 
gun or hatchet, the four rushed upon the luckless 
youth. He realized that no matter how successful 
his next blow might be, he could not hope to fell 
more than one of his antagonists. There remained 
the other three fully armed who, blinded by their 
fury, would make short work in dispatching him 
66 



Stood with folded arms calmly awaiting the onset of his foes.’^ 




AN ENEMY IS MET 


to accompany the warrior at his feet upon his jour- 
ney to the happy hunting grounds. 

A sudden inspiration seized the lad, for with a 
quick motion he hurled the hatchet into the river, 
took a step or two forward and stood with folded 
arms calmly awaiting the onset of his foes, help- 
less and unguarded. The coolness of the act 
aroused a feeling of admiration in the breasts of the 
savages and quieted their wrath for the time being, 
for they contented themselves with seizing him 
roughly and binding him to a near-by tree so that he 
could move neither head nor limbs. Seeing murder 
in their actions, Frangois, who together with Pierre 
had beheld the recent events with wondering eyes, 
hardly realizing . why he did it, arose and called 
to the redskins in an authoritative voice to stop. 
The malicious devils turned at this interruption. 

Shame on you for a pack of cowardly curs,” 
he cried desperately. “ Are the Iroquois a people 
that make war only upon women and children? 
Are you able only to torture a mere papoose? 
Look at him. When you were his age, you were 
still at home playing in the dirt or gathering sticks 
for firewood. And yet he has killed one of your 
warriors in a fair fight. Keep him tightly hound,” 
67 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

lie added scornfully. Were he to get loose, four 
more lodges among your tribe would be empty, 
four great chiefs slain by a boy ! ” 

If Francois’s idea was to divert the redskins’ 
attention from Jean to himself, he succeeded, 
stung by his taunts and snarling with rage, they 
abandoned whatever they were about to do to the 
younger lad and rushed pellmell upon the other 
two prisoners. Nothing daunted, Frangois re- 
mained immobile while Pierre scrambling to his 
feet stood alongside him filled with a vague desire 
to rally to his support, although realizing that he 
was equally helpless to resist. Firm was the front 
turned toward the advancing foe who were close 
upon them. Already was a gleaming hatchet 
poised in mid-air, already had one seized a gun with 
vindictive purpose. 

Just at this moment the eyes of one of the In- 
dians caught sight of a canoe with a single occu- 
pant that had just come into view around the point. 
The four stopped, again diverted from their pur- 
pose. After a moment’s inspection of the stranger, 
a shout was given and returned, the canoe’s prow 
was turned toward the camp and soon grated on 
the pebbles as its owner landed. The Indians met 
68 


AN ENEMY IS MET 


him with evident pleasure, all talking and gesticu- 
lating at once. As he approached the fire, Jean 
from his uncomfortable position eyed him nar- 
rowly, then his heart gave a sudden start as he rec- 
ognized the swarthy features of Winnatoka. 


69 


CHAPTEE VI 


SHOWS HOW EASY IT IS TO FALL FEOM THE 
FKYING-PAN INTO THE FIEE 

T he deference paid to Winnatoka seemed 
to indicate that he was a chief of impor- 
tance among his own people. He listened 
gravely as the rest related the events which had 
occurred during the past twenty-four hours. When 
they were through, he stalked over to the spot where 
Pierre and Frangois were lying. After eyeing 
them stolidly for a moment or two, he gave a grunt 
and then approached Jean. If he recognized his 
former benefactor, he gave no sign. Eetuming 
to his companions he talked earnestly for a few 
moments. His words evidently carried great 
weight for there was no opposition to what he said. 
When he finished speaking, he uttered a few words 
of command to one of the group who hastened 
to release Jean and restored him to his friends. 
The Indians proceeded next to bury their fallen 
comrade. When this duty was completed, they 
70 


FROM THE FRYING-PAN 


spent the remainder of the day leisurely employed 
about the camp. They paid no attention to the 
prisoners, save to give them food and water and 
ease their bonds. Jean communicated his recogni- 
tion of Winnatoka to the other two. 

“ Lots of good he will he to us ! ” said Pierre 
in a low voice. “ He has accepted favors from 
your hand, but I doubt if he will recollect them now. 
I fear his memory will he too short for that.” 

Francois was more encouraging. 

‘‘ You are wrong there. Although the Iroquois 
chiefs pride themselves on never forgetting or for- 
giving an injury, yet they also hold it a matter of 
honor to do well toward those who have especially 
favored them. The fact that he ordered Jean’s re- 
lease from yonder tree shows that he remembered 
him. He has evidently urged the others to post- 
pone the carrying out of their revenge until they 
reach their home. A dozen chances of escape may 
occur before then. Take courage, mes amis, some- 
thing will happen soon in our favor.” 

The two brothers, heartened by these words, cast 
to the winds all feelings of depression caused by 
their precarious condition, and busied themselves 
in watching closely the course of events, while their 
6 71 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


brains sought to devise some means of taking ad- 
vantage of any favorable turn that might arise. 

Toward dusk Winnatoka approached the three 
and began to examine the thongs that fastened their 
ankles and wrists. When he came to Jean, he took 
as long a time as possible for the examination. 
While so doing he spoke low and hurriedly, his lips 
scarcely moving at all : 

‘‘Little Hunter is in trouble. Winnatoka will 
help him. He will keep watch to-night. WTien the 
camp is still and the owl hoots and the river runs 
cold, he will release him and he can steal away. 
His canoe and gun will be ready for him. Thus 
will Winnatoka pay the debt he owes him.” 

Jean’s heart rejoiced at these words. He sud- 
denly realized, however, that the redskin had said 
nothing about his companions. 

“ My comrades will go, too,” he said in some 
trepidation. 

The Indian’s brow contracted: 

“ No, Winnatoka knows not them. They will 
be taken with us in the morning on our journey. 
My people will do with them as they please.” 

Jean shivered at these words, knowing full 
well what their fate would be. He realized that 
72 


FROM THE FRYING-PAN 


a bold stroke was necessary, so, assuming a look 
of inditference he was far from feeling, he re- 
plied stoutly: 

You needn’t release me then, for I won’t stir 
a step witliout them. Does Winnatoka, the great 
chief, not think his life is worth that of three boys ! 
He holds himself too cheap. He tries to pay a debt 
of beaver with rabbit skins.” 

The savage made no reply, but left him and 
busied himself about his canoe until the evening 
meal was ready. After this was finished, the red- 
skins removed the captives to the forest side of the 
fire taking possession themselves of the grassy place 
on which the boys had been lying. This act looked 
a little more favorable for their escape. Winna- 
toka disappeared for a moment to rummage in his 
canoe and returned with a tiny cask of brandy. 
The other Indians loaded the remaining vessels so 
that a start could be made at break of day without 
delay, and returned to the camp fire about which 
they stretched themselves at their ease. Although 
they thus placed the fire between themselves and 
their captives, yet an occasional glance could easily 
be made in their direction. All four gave a grunt 
of satisfaction when they saw what their chief had 
73 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


brought, and soon the contents of the cask were 
being freely imbibed. 

The boys were spectators of this pantomime and 
impatiently awaited the outcome of the debauch. 

^^It will either help us or seal our fate,” re- 
marked Frangois soberly. “If they take enough 
of the stuff quickly, they will be helpless inside of 
an hour and we can make all the noise we wish in 
getting away. If they drink slowly, they may be- 
come so excited that the very sight of us will infu- 
riate them. Then good-by to our ever seeing Que- 
bec again. It would be far less trouble to carry 
three scalps to their tribe than to convey three boys 
whom they would find to be very much alive and 
inclined to give them trouble at the earliest oppor- 
tunity.” 

Pierre and Jean, appreciating the force of 
his words, remained silent but watchful. They 
realized that their fate would be sealed in a very 
short time. A natural despondency settled down 
upon them. Thoughts of the far-off home in 
France and memories of their happy childhood 
there flashed sharply through their minds. A mist 
clouded their eyes, as they remembered the pale, 
delicate-looking mother whose heart had well-nigh 
74 


FROM THE FRYING-PAN 

"burst for love of them, whom they had left behind 
buried in French soil. A feeling of tenderness 
swept over them, too, as they realized that their 
father was at that moment hoping and praying for 
their safe return in distant Quebec. But their 
manly natures did not permit them to contemplate 
such mental pictures, tender and sweet though they 
were, for long. They resolved to watch alertly 
for any chance for freedom and, if they were 
doomed to die, to meet death unflinchingly with a 
courage that befitted their birth and training. 

After a time Winnatoka approached again os- 
tensibly to see if they were well bound. This time 
he spoke with less caution : 

“If the Little Hunter wishes it, he may go 
soon. I will loose him now, and when the white 
man’s fire water makes the Indians stupid he can 
start back to his own country.” 

The savage’s speech seemed a little thick show- 
ing that the spirits were evidently rapidly gaining 
control over him. To anger him now might be the 
means of turning him against them; but Jean was 
determined not to gain his own safety and leave his 
comrades in bondage. He accordingly looked the 
Indian straight in the eye as he replied : 

75 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


“ No, it is all or none. Winnatoka would blush 
for his friend Little Hunter when he got home, if 
he remembered that Little Hunter had slunk away 
like a cowardly wolf, leaving his friends in a trap. 
He would despise him.” 

As he spoke thus bravely, though quaking in- 
wardly, the apparently half-drunk Indian could 
not help allowing a glance of admiration to kindle 
in his eyes for a brief instant. Then resuming the 
stolid look that was his usual expression he re- 
plied : 

Little Hunter is brave ; he will some day be a 
great chief of the palefaces. His heart is big; he 
will have many friends come to his lodge. His 
tongue is straight; it is not forked like a snake’s, 
talking two ways at once, but speaks words of wis- 
dom ; he will be a leader at the council fires of his 
nation.” 

With these words he turned his back upon the 
prisoners and rejoined his companions, gulping 
down his share of the fiery fluid that he had 
brought. Jean was so disappointed at his lack of 
success in inducing the Indian to accede to his de- 
mand that for a moment his eyes were blinded with 
tears. A moment later he chanced to glance down 
76 


FROM THE FRYING-PAN 


on the ground at the spot where Winnatoka had 
stood beside him. In an instant he uttered a 
muffled cry of joy, his disappointment and despair 
changing to hope and courage, for there, close to 
him, lay a knife. He understood now that the sav- 
age had thus given him the means for the escape 
of all without injuring his pride by openly yielding 
to his insistence. Although his hands were tied, 
he was able to hold the keen blade lightly in his 
fingers and rub its sharp edge against the fet- 
ters that hound his feet. These quickly yielded. 
Whispering to Pierre who lay close to him, the two 
worked their way carefully toward each other, 
keeping one eye the meanwhile upon their convivial 
captors, until Jean could reach his hrothePs wrists. 
These were freed and Pierre in turn released the 
younger hoy’s hands, then went to Francois’s aid. 
Silently they rubbed themselves to restore their cir- 
culation, and consulted in whispers with one an- 
other. 

By this time one of the Indians had succumbed 
and lay upon his back loudly snoring. The others 
were becoming more or less incapacitated with each 
passing moment. Not daring to wait too long lest 
the thoughts of the drunken redskins might turn 
77 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


in their direction, the hoys decided to run for it 
through the forest at the first opportunity. Jean 
fancied he noticed that Winnatoka did not drink 
as often or as copiously as the rest and the reason 
at once flashed into his mind. Frangois to whom 
he told his thought agreed with him : 

“ Yes,” he replied, “ the crafty savage is saving 
his strength and wits and is trying to keep sober, 
all the while with an eye on us. He has given us 
the means of escaping and, if we once make a break, 
his feelings of Indian honor will have been satisfied 
and he will gladly join in the chase and capture and 
torture us within an hour, with a clear conscience. 
Now, are you both ready! Wait until the next 
time he lifts the keg to his lips, then slip away and 
try to keep together.” 

These directions were received in silence by the 
two brothers. The moment for action seemed as 
though it would never come. Their overwrought 
nerves caused them to start at every unusual sound. 
The ill-omened cry of an owl across the river was 
wafted faintly, yet distinctly, to their ears and made 
them shiver as though it predicted the failure of 
their attempt to escape. The crackling of the 
wood in the camp fire sent a shudder through their 
78 


FROM THE FRYING-PAN 

frames as though the flames were mocking their 
meditated action, and reminding them of their 
fate by torture in the near future. 

A moment later, after a hasty glance in the di- 
rection of the prisoners, Winnatoka took another 
drink. The same instant the three boys arose noise- 
lessly and glided into the forest. This gave them 
a few seconds’ start. They would have had more 
leeway, had not Pierre unfortunately stepped upon 
a dry branch that cracked beneath his weight. A 
wild yell warned them that their departure had been 
observed. Frangois, glancing over his shoulder, 
saw by the firelight the four savages running across 
the open place with Winnatoka in the lead. He 
realized then that the whole drinking scene had been 
a farce and that their pursuers were masters of 
limb and mind. This surmise was not quite cor- 
rect. The scheme of the redskins had not been 
thoroughly carried out. They had allowed them- 
selves a few drams of the brandy now and then, but 
not enough to more than confuse them for an in- 
stant when they stood upon their feet. After they 
had once started running their brains cleared. 

The nearest and hence the most likely point for 
the boys to enter the woods was aimed at by their 
79 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

pursuers. Fortunately tlie three, Francois in the 
lead, had turned sharply to the right as soon as 
their movements were protected by the trees, and 
their path lay obliquely toward the river. The red- 
skins hesitated a moment and listened after they 
were in the shadow. An unlucky step of Pierre 
gave them the general direction of the boys 
and with another fearful yell of confidence they 
started after them. 

“ Bend low and hurry,” was Frangois’s warning. 
‘‘We have a half minute’s start of them now, but 
we cannot keep it long. They can run in the dark 
twice as fast as we can.” 

Admonished thus, the two brothers followed 
close upon his heels. An occasional noise from 
the rear told them that the enemy were gaining on 
them. Fortunately the river was not far distant. 
When this was reached, they waded in carefully 
among the shadows without noise until their depth 
was reached, then struck out for a few strokes 
and allowed the current to carry them along. A 
moment later they heard the savages threshing 
through the woods near the shore a little mystified 
at the sudden cessation of all sound on their part. 
By this time they were so far away that they felt 
80 


FROM THE FRYING-PAN 


emboldened to swim vigorously. Pierre suddenly 
realized that they were going in the direction of the 
camp they bad just left and wondered at Francois’s 
temerity. He made no comment, however, but fol- 
lowed as best he could, trusting to his friend’s ready 
wit to adopt a plan that could be carried out. 

The camp tire came in view and Frangois, hug- 
ging the shadows of the shore, made straight for 
the landing. Then it was that his purpose ap- 
peared clear to the others. He was bent on seizing 
the canoes of the redskins, thus shutting off all 
means of successful pursuit. Land was reached 
and the three canoes found already loaded for the 
morrow’s start. 

‘‘ Hurry ! Hurry ! ” cried Frangois in despair 
as the halloos from the forest indicated that the 
redskins had guessed their plan and were hurrying 
back to intercept them. 

Jean jumped into one while the others shoved 
him off ; then Pierre followed quickly, paddling be- 
yond the range of light. Frangois had chosen for 
himself the largest and most heavily laden of them 
all. Just as he gave the final push, Winnatoka 
broke from cover, and with a yell of rage, as he 
saw what was being done, rushed toward the water. 

81 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


Three seconds more and Frangois was seated with 
paddle in hand. Five more, and his swift strokes 
had carried him out of gunshot. Luckily for the 
lads, all the guns had been laid in the bottom of the 
canoes and the savages were powerless to do any- 
thing. One indeed sprang into the water and tried 
by dint of wonderful swimming to catch up with 
the fugitives; but soon seeing the futility of the 
plan, changed his mind and returned to shore, 
where he joined his companions in giving vent to 
dismal howls of disappointment and rage. 

The three lads now feeling themselves safe re- 
laxed their exertions and proceeded slowly up the 
river. Presently the glare of the fire disappeared 
and thus the last sign of their recent captors was 
shut out from their sight, as they hoped, forever. 

Although they were cold from their recent wet- 
ting, the regular exercise of arm and muscle soon 
tended to produce in their bodies a pleasurable 
warmth, while the feeling of freedom from captiv- 
ity and the thought of their recent lucky escape 
gave an exhilaration to their minds that prevented 
them from sutfering any discomfort. This state of 
affairs lasted until the earliest streaks of dawn 
warned them of approaching day. Accordingly 
82 


FROM THE FRYING-PAN 


they landed on the opposite side of the river from 
that on which the Indian encampment had been 
located, thus placing the stream and some leagues 
of distance between themselves and the enemy. 

After a hearty meal from the stores found in one 
of the canoes which they carefully hid, they threw 
themselves down on a spot protected on all sides 
by dense undergrowth, and, worn out with the fa- 
tigues of the night, were sound asleep inside of two 
minutes. Dawn brightened into full day and the 
sun climbed its steep appointed path until its posi- 
tion announced to a woodsman’s practiced eye the 
hour of noon. Yet the three sleepers had not stirred 
once. Just then a ray of sunlight penetrating from 
above fell full on Francois’s face. The brightness 
roused his sluggish senses and he sat up for an 
instant, preparatory to turning over for further 
rest after giving a glance about to see if all was 
well. As he did so, he gave an involuntary cry of 
alarm as he beheld standing immovable before him 
some ten paces off the sinewy figure of Winnatoka, 
while squatting on their haunches nearby with their 
own guns balanced on their knees were three of his 
dusky companions. 


83 


CHAPTER VII 


WHEEEIIT FKANCOIS TUENS A TEICK AND ANOTHEE 
DANGEE IS AVOIDED 


F RANCOIS’S fervid ejacnlation had that in 
it that penetrated the consciousness of the 
other two, who instantly sat holt upright, 
feeling instinctively for their guns, which were 
gone. In an instant their eyes, although heavy with 
sleep, told them that they were again captives. 
Francois, in addition, realized how the present ca- 
lamity had come about. The redskins had separated 
into two hands, three swimming across the river 
and ascending the east hank, while the others had 
continued up the western shore. They had counted 
on the youths bivouacing for the day, and it was 
thus only a matter of time and careful search of 
the forest as they went before one party or the 
other was hound to come up with them. Frangois 
was sorry that they had not risked the chance of 
being seen and pushed on by daylight, or else had 
gone a league or more away from the river for their 
84 


FRANCOIS TURNS A TRICK 


resting place ; but regrets were uselsss. What was 
now necessary for them to do was to face their new 
dangers with as great fortitude as possible. 

Winnatoka, when he saw that the boys were 
awake, advanced a few steps and addressed them 
gravely : 

Why did Little Hunter and his friends leave 
us so suddenly last night? In their haste they car- 
ried away the canoes and guns of Winnatoka and 
the other chiefs. Perhaps they forgot whose they 
were. But that is nothing, they have been found 
and it will not happen again. Rise, my friends, and 
follow me, you must be hungry after your long 
sleep.” 

Although his manner was friendly and his 
words fair, yet the boys could detect a quiet sar- 
casm in his tone, and from his eyes there shot now 
and then a gleam of hatred that filled them with 
new fears. They obeyed his command while the 
other savages fell in noiselessly behind them. 
On emerging from their place of concealment, they 
found the remaining redskin of the band busily en- 
gaged in making a fire, a task in which he had just 
succeeded, and beheld the three canoes, which they 
had so carefully hidden, drawn up on the shore. 
85 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


These preparations indicated that the savages had 
no intention of proceeding at once upon their jour- 
ney. This condition of affairs and the looks of 
mingled exultation and hatred which the Indians 
threw upon their helpless prisoners filled Frangois 
with intense anxiety. After eating, at a sign from 
Winnatoka, the hoys’ ankles were once more bound, 
but their arms were left free. Four of the redskins 
lay down and were soon asleep. The fifth remained 
awake to watch. In order to guard against his suc- 
cumbing to fatigue in spite of himself, he remained 
standing, gun in hand, some ten yards distant, alert 
to catch every sound and detect any movement of 
the captives. 

The boys were thus unable to communicate with 
one another by ordinary means. Frangois was, 
however, not to be balked by circumstances; but 
by alternately opening and closing the forefinger 
of one hand, held so as to be concealed from the 
sight of the sentry, he utilized the sign language 
which they had learned in the early days of their 
Brotherhood ” two years previously. By this 
means he was able to outline a plan that had oc- 
curred to him in the midst of the despair that had 
settled down upon them all. 

86 


FRANfOIS TURNB A TRICT^ 

‘‘We have small chance of escape,” he signed. 
“ They mean mischief this time. There is no need 
of all perishing. If the chance arrives and our 
ankles are freed for a moment, Pierre and I will 
each embrace the nearest redskin and wrestle with 
him. This will engage two of them and cause a 
momentary confusion. Jean must seize this mo- 
ment to make a dash for liberty. If this is after 
dark, he can get a few seconds’ start and slip into 
the river and by floating with the current and swim- 
ming have a good chance of escaping. Pierre and I 
will do what we can. If we die and Jean manages 
to reach Quebec, your father will not he utterly 
bereaved.” 

Jean replied with an emphatic “ No I ” repeated 
several times. 

Pierre joined in urging him to carry out this 
plan, hut the younger brother was just as decided 
in his refusal. 

“ Say no more,” he signaled. “ I will not sneak 
off and leave you to your fate. If we cannot all 
escape, I shall stay and share it with you.” As if 
to end the discussion, he then turned over on his 
side with his hack to the others and lay motionless, 
feigning sleep. 

7 


87 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

The afternoon shadows lengthened and the sun 
sank slowly out of sight behind the forest. The 
hoys watched the dying light, believing in their 
hearts that this was their last sunset. As the twi- 
light gradually advanced, the sleeping forms about 
the fire stirred, awoke, and moved about the camp. 
When it was finally dark, Winnatoka stretched him- 
self lazily before the comfortable blaze once more 
after giving the others an inaudible command. In 
obedience, two of the Indians approached Jean and 
Pierre and dragged them to neighboring trees, 
where they were securely bound. Frangois, how- 
ever, was treated differently. The fastenings about 
his ankles were loosened so he could take steps 
about six inches in length. He was then bidden to 
follow one of the savages to the canoes which he 
proceeded to unload, handing his prisoner the vari- 
ous articles to carry to the fireside. Frangois un- 
dertook this menial task cheerfully, all the while re- 
volving in his mind an idea that suddenly occurred 
to him. The work was of necessity done in a lei- 
surely fashion because of his hobbling gait, while 
considerable time was consumed, for the distance 
from the water’s edge to the fire was some sixty 
yards and up quite a declivity. He would thus 
88 


FRANCOIS TURNS A TRICK 

have been able, unobserved, to bide a knife or sim- 
ilar small weapon about bis person bad be laid bis 
bands upon one ; but the opportunity of thus arm- 
ing himself was lacking, as bis task-master took 
charge of all the small articles himself. 

When this work was done, he was allowed to sit 
down beside the fire and bold himself in readiness 
for further labors. The savages, after laying the 
firearms and powder to one side, proceeded to feast 
upon the eatables before them. The two brothers 
were neglected, but occasional bits of food were 
thrown to Frangois, who ate them submissively, bis 
desire being to avoid stirring up the slumbering 
animosity of his captors. 

Finally, when the substantial meal bad disap- 
peared, be was ordered to bring up a small keg of 
brandy similar to the one produced the previous 
evening, which bad been bidden beneath the other 
stores in the bow of the large canoe. One of the 
redskins accompanied him reluctantly and stood a 
dozen paces oft while Frangois got the desired 
beverage from its biding place. It must have been 
tightly wedged in, for be spent some time leaning 
over the canoe in bis search. This delay cost him 
the ill will of bis companion who advanced toward 
89 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


him with an angry word and a menacing air. He 
was met by a sunny smile, however, as the hoy 
finally arose from his stooping posture with the 
prize clasped tightly in one arm. This smile did 
not entirely die away from his features after his 
return to the group that impatiently awaited his 
arrival. His services being no longer in demand, 
he was led to a tree and secured in the same manner 
as his companions had been. As he passed Pierre, 
the latter was astonished at seeing him wink his 
left eye in the most cheerful manner. 

The captives being thus secured, the Indians, 
each with a small gourd in his hand, gathered about 
the keg, which was jealouslljr guarded by Winna^ 
toka. The gourds were quickly filled and as quickly 
emptied. The first draught finished, the gourds 
were refilled and the contents sipped more slowly. 
In a few moments the first effects of the liquor 
were seen. The savages lost their taciturn frame 
of mind and conversed freely with one another, 
throwing many malevolent glances in the direction 
of the prisoners. They were evidently discussing 
plans for their disposal. 

The gourds were now emptied a second time. 
Before more of the beverage was imbibed, three of 
90 


FRANCOIS TURNS A TRICK 

the Indians arose and passed into the forest, return- 
ing in a few moments with armfuls of dead leaves 
and dry underbrush which were piled about the 
feet of each captive. This action froze the blood 
of the brothers with terror ; the most horrible form 
of death — that by burning — was to he their fate. 
Frangois, although his smile had died away, did 
not seem at all dismayed, hut watched the actions 
of the savages with secret exultation, as he saw the 
time they were consuming in gathering the wood. 
The three returned for a second load and yet a 
third. This was deemed sufficient for their purpose 
and they then rejoined their companions for an- 
other dram or two. 

The hoys were now breathless with suspense, 
knowing that it was only a matter of a few minutes 
before the brands would he applied and the last 
scene of the savage orgy begun. They had not long 
to wait, for Winnatoka, who had been greedily 
gulping down the brandy while these arrangements 
were being made, arose unsteadily and seizing a 
pine branch held it in the fire until it was well 
ablaze. He then started with a lurching gait in the 
direction of Jean, his face distorted by a look of 
devilish hate, a look made all the more visible and 
91 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


repulsive by the glare of the now brightly burning 
torch. Jean was unable to gaze upon his approach 
unmoved but gave a fearful cry of terror as he in- 
voluntarily struggled to free himself, and closed 
his eyes. He opened them again the next instant 
and was surprised to behold his enemy stop, drop 
the firebrand, then stagger and sink drowsily to the 
ground before him. As he fell, his body lay across 
the blazing brand, the fire from which quick- 
ly reached his skin, burning him terribly. He 
moaned and made a slight convulsive movement 
as though to draw away from the source of 
pain, but his muscles quickly relaxed and he set- 
tled down upon the flame as though unconscious 
of its heat. 

One of the braves, seeing this accident, gave a 
feeble shout, and slowly and with much effort 
gained his feet, but pitched immediately forward 
into the midst of the camp fire and lay immobile 
as a log of wood, while the tongues of flame licked 
his form in a fierce embrace. Of the remainder, 
two fell back unconscious, while the third, after 
making one weak effort to pull his comrade from 
the fire, sank down with a groan, and lay still like 
the rest, breathing slowly as one in a deep slumber. 

92 


FRANCOIS TURNS A TRICK 

When this occurred Francois gave a shout of 
triumph. 

I knew it would happen/’ he called to his com- 
panions. I drugged their brandy. Cheer up, 
mes amis, the coast is now clear if we can only get 
loose. They are good for a twelve-hour sleep, so 
we can make all the noise we want. Some of them 
may never wake up.” 

The three now busied themselves in trying to 
free their hands. Jean and Pierre were powerless 
to accomplish anythhag. Francois, whose captor, 
eager to get hack to the group surrounding the 
brandy keg, had been a little careless in fasten- 
ing him, was able to rub the connecting length 
of vine which hound his hands behind the tree, 
so that its friction against the hark would in a 
short time wear it through. He struggled manfully 
for a quarter of an hour and was at last successful. 
It took hut a few strokes of a knife, which he found 
on one of the prostrate forms, to liberate his com- 
panions, who still seemed a little dazed at the turn 
events had taken. 

Come ! ” cried FranQois, after giving them a 
moment or two to regain command over themselves, 
time is precious. There is no telling how many 
93 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


savages are now creeping toward us, attracted by 
this camp fire.” 

Each one accordingly picked up whatever was 
handiest — guns, ammunition, paddles, or food — 
and placed them in the largest canoe. Within five 
minutes it was launched and the three lads set out, 
paddling away like mad, while, towing behind 
them, trailed the two^ smaller craft. When the 
middle of the river was reached, these were brought 
alongside, a hole cut in their bottoms, and they were 
allowed to sink. The large canoe with its occupants 
then disappeared in the darkness, leaving the scene 
of their recent peril silent save for the slow, ster- 
torous breathing of the savages and the melancholy 
hoot of an owl who sat in a distant treetop over- 
looking with blinking eyes the deserted camp. 

As the boys proceeded on their way, Francois 
related the particulars of the trick whereby their 
escape was effected. 

“ While standing in the crowd awaiting our 
embarkation at Quebec, your Uncle Ormesson ap- 
proached me and whispered : ‘ Take good care of 
my boys and do not run into needless danger. 
Should you fall into the hands of the redskins, here 
is a white powder I got in Paris that may aid you. 

94 


FRANfOIS TURNS A TRICK 

Put it in the savages’ meat or drink, and they will 
fall asleep shortly and not awaken for a dozen hours 
or more. May Heaven bless you ! ’ With these 
words he slipped a tiny parchment packet into my 
hand which I carefully stowed away in my water- 
proof belt and promptly forgot all about. It sud- 
denly recalled itself to my mind when I was or- 
dered to bring the brandy from the canoe. I 
managed to get it out, remove the plug in the keg, 
and empty its contents into the liquor while leaning 
over and pretending to search for the stuff.” 

Bravo ! ” cried Pierre, as his friend ceased 
his narration. ‘^It was a clever idea, cleverly 
done.” 

“ How like Uncle Ormesson to endeavor to pro- 
vide against our needs ! ” murmured J ean thought- 
fully. ‘‘Although separated from us by many 
leagues, his kindly efforts have succeeded. I will 
warrant his thoughts held us and our safety in 
mind to-night. I believe he loves us as much as 
though he were really our father.” 

The boys hurried on until dawn, then, not fear- 
ing pursuit, knowing that the brains of their recent 
captors would still be befuddled with the powerful 
drug, they landed, hid their canoe, and seeking a 
95 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

plac^ of concealment sought a few hours’ rest. 
They awoke about noon, refreshed but hungry. 
They were dismayed to find that in the hurry of 
their departure the previous night they had brought 
little or no provisions. After eating what they 
were able to find in the canoe, it was determined 
to spend the remainder of the day in restocking 
their larder. 

Fearing lest the sound of firearms might bring 
down upon them any straggling band of redskins 
that were still watching the river, they plunged into 
the forest and made their way westward. After 
a couple of hours’ progress, they deemed it safe 
to use their guns. Accordingly Jean knocked over 
a couple of rabbits which he carelessly crowded 
into his pockets to get them out of the way. Other 
game was lacking and they were compelled to go 
farther than they had originally intended. They 
finally came to a small stream along whose bank 
innumerable tracks showed that it was a favorite 
drinking place for deer and other wild animals. 
Posting themselves in a sheltered position, they 
waited for the arrival of some thirsty inhabitant 
of the woods. They had not tarried long before 
a crackling was heard in the underbrush across the 
96 


FRANCOIS TURNS A TRICK 

brook, and after a few moments a deer appeared. 
He stopped an instant to sniff the air before drink- 
ing. Fortunately wbat breeze was stirring came 
from his direction and he suspected no danger. 
Descending into the stream and standing with his 
forelegs in the cool water, he buried his nose be- 
neath the surface in sheer enjoyment. Once more 
looking around to see that all was well, he settled 
down to the gratification of his thirst when a sound 
made by one of the hidden lads caused him to raise 
his head in alarm. Frangois motioned to Pierre 
to fire. The shot was not a mortal one, and the 
terror-stricken, wounded animal sprang back to- 
ward the shelter of the woods. Frangois’s bullet, 
however, was too quick for him and he sank down 
with a plaintive moan. 

The boys then busied themselves in cutting 
choice portions of the fiesh, which were rolled up 
in a piece of hide and swung across Frangois’s 
sturdy shoulders. By the time this was accom- 
plished the sun had set and the three made haste 
to return. The woods through which they first 
passed were more or less open, so they were able 
to cover the ground of this part of their journey 
rapidly enough. Suddenly, as the darkness deep- 
97 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


ened, a far-off distant cry was heard, then another, 
and another, sounding in the direction from which 
they had just come. 

^‘Wolves!” remarked Francois, and there was 
a shade of anxiety in his voice. “ They have 
scented the carcass of the deer. I hope it is only 
a small pack that will remain satisfied with what 
we left behind and not dog our path for more.” 

The cries soon ceased and the three pushed 
hopefully on. A few minutes later the howling was 
again heard, hut much more distinctly. 

“ We must hasten,” cried Frangois, they are 
on our track.” 

Despite their best endeavors the hoys realized 
by the approaching sounds that their pursuers were 
gaining on them. The night, which had now fallen, 
was cold and clear. A young moon gleamed above, 
which cast a feeble light in the forest. This helped 
their progress very much, and they hoped to he 
able to reach the river before they would he over- 
taken. At length Pierre, turning apprehensively 
and looking backward, saw a multitude of fiery 
eyeballs like fireflies darting about among the dis- 
tant trees. A clearing was reached and crossed 
and the party halted a moment on the edge of the 
98 


FRANCOIS TURNS A TRICK 

forest on its farther side. The pack, with true 
cowardly instinct, hesitated to enter the open hut 
stopped and gave vent to their feelings by hoarse 
cries. The boys could see their dark forms skirt- 
ing the trees and counted over twenty. This was 
a formidable number, for although they could kill 
some of them, yet the fierce beasts were liable to 
make a rush in a body before they could reload, 
an event that would he highly disastrous to their 
hope of being able to continue their journey. 

Gradually the skulking forms gathered courage 
and began a stealthy advance into the open place. 
By degrees they separated, forming a crescent- 
shaped compact body that continually spread in 
both directions. The river was less than a league 
away ; but should they turn their backs and attempt 
to make a dash for it, the merciless pack would be 
upon them pell-mell and pull them down before 
they had gone a hundred yards. Francois be- 
thought himself of the deer meat that had already 
cost them so much labor. He undid the package 
and tossed a piece toward the pack. Instantly they 
were upon it in a confused, snarling, fighting mass. 
Another piece fell in their midst with like results. 
The boys hoped that this supply would take the 
99 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

edge off their voracious appetites. Vain was this 
trust, for after the last piece had disappeared, 
the wild creatures stood with panting breasts and 
lolling tongues eager for more. In fact the meat 
just devoured seemed to stimulate their courage, 
for the next advance toward their three victims, 
although slow, was steady. 

The lads, each with his hack against a tree, 
stood with gun primed, ready for the final on- 
slaught. Alj’eady had the pack increased its pace ; 
already was the sound of their breathing audible — 
when suddenly a crashing was heard in the woods 
at the right, and a magnificent buck broke from 
cover and with leaps augmented by fear started 
across the clearing. Instantly the wolves scented 
new and less dangerous game. So with one united 
snarl they sprang upon the deer who in his terror 
had run into the very middle of the pack. Sur- 
prised he was, hut not faint hearted, for with 
lowered antlers he quickly ripped one wolf open, 
and by a quick movement of his fine head another 
of his foes was tossed writhing to the ground ten 
yards away; hut in spite of his gallant struggle 
the number of his enemies was too great. They 
assailed him on right flank and left, from beneath 
100 


FRANCOIS TURNS A TRICK 

and behind until the noble animal sank imder 
their combined onslaught. 

The boys, surprised at the sudden appearance 
of the buck, remained rooted to the spot passive 
spectators of the fray. Francois was the first to 
recover his mental alertness. Wondering what had 
been the original cause of the beast’s terror, he 
looked toward the wood whence he had come. As 
he gazed intently, three human forms glided from 
the depths and stood on the edge of the clearing 
a moment surveying the scene. The moonlight fell 
upon their naked bodies and made them glisten. 
With a low word of warning : “ Indians ! ” and a 
gesture in their direction, Francois urged his com- 
panions to start at once for their destination, trust- 
ing to the noise of the wolves to cover any sound 
their departure might make. An hour later they 
had reached the river, launched their canoe, and 
were busily engaged in stealing along the shore in 
the protection of its friendly shadows with noth- 
ing to show for the afternoon’s hard work but the 
memory of an exciting experience and the two 
rabbits still stufifed in Jean’s pocket. 


* 


101 


CHAPTER VIII 


DESCRIBES HOW A PURPOSE WAS ACCOMPLISHED AND 
AN UNPLEASANT PREDICAMENT MET 

W HEN a league or two had been passed 
by vigorous, although noiseless pad- 
dling, the three hoys began to breathe 

more easily. 

“ Phew ! but that was a narrow escape,” finally 
exclaimed Pierre in a whisper. The wolves 
would have been on us in another moment. 
Ugh ! I can hear their snarls and the clicking of 
their jaws and see their eyes all ablaze, even 
now.” 

“ A few seconds longer,” replied Francois in an 
undertone, “ and we should have had to use our 
guns. That would have brought a fiercer enemy 
about our ears than any pack of wolves.” 

“We certainly owe a debt of gratitude to the 
buck for coming when he did,” chimed in the 
youngest of the party. “ For my part, the next 
time I am about to shoot a deer, I shall remember 
102 


AN UNPLEASANT PREDICAMENT 

Lis service and refuse to pull the trigger. In that 
way our obligation will he canceled.’^ 

The other two smiled at J ean’s childish thought 
hut said nothing, although they felt in secret sym- 
pathy with it. Conversation soon ceased, each one 
busied with his own thoughts. When dawn came 
they breakfasted on the few crumbs they had left 
and, after a plunge in the river, decided to pro- 
ceed boldly by daylight, as they all felt a strong 
desire to put a long distance between themselves 
and the scene of the past night. It was arranged 
that two should paddle and allow the third to sleep. 
In this way they would be making continuous prog- 
ress day and night and would avoid falling into 
danger by a protracted landing. 

At noon they went on shore, quickly cooked the 
two rabbits and hastened to get afloat again, wait- 
ing until then before they satisfied their hunger. 
The next day they landed again and, leaving Jean 
on guard, the other two stole into the forest. As 
luck would have it, they soon came upon a deer 
which was brought down by Frangois’s steady aim. 
A plentiful supply of meat was thus secured and 
a hurried retreat made without molestation. Some 
hours later a low, cleared point of land was chosen 
8 103 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


on which a fire was built and a quantity of food 
cooked in safety, sufficient to last them for two 
days. 

Thus they sped onward in their course, with- 
out mishap or annoyance. The country through 
which they passed gave no signs of having ever 
felt the hand of man, white or red. It was indeed 
a primeval wilderness. An unbroken forest lined 
the river on each side, silent in the day save for 
the crackling of twigs beneath the feet of timid 
deer surprised while in the act of drinking by the 
noiseless approach of the canoe, and after dark 
a strange, weird shadow from whose depths there 
arose the sound of night birds and the cry of 
prowling beasts of prey, hungry and in search of 
food. By day a land of sunshine and peace; by 
night a region of mystery and one of pain and con- 
flict among its four-footed inhabitants. 

No trace of savages was seen, although all three 
were alert to discover some sign of the enemy. 
Emboldened by this state of affairs, they landed 
one day and concealing their canoe behind the 
branches of an overarching tree, proceeded to 
stretch their legs, cramped from so long kneeling 
or sitting in one position. The relief was so grate- 
104 


AN UNPLEASANT PREDICAMENT 

ful that they lay down upon the ground to rest 
for several hours, although not daring to go to 
sleep. They were thus lazily engaged when Jean’s 
quick ear caught an unusual sound. At his ges- 
ture all became silent. The noise was repeated 
from the direction of the river ; it was the low gut- 
tural tones of redskins conversing. The hoys 
stretched low, peered out through the screening 
branches and beheld a canoe passing. In it were 
three Indians. They were hastening on, uncon- 
scious of observation, their muscles standing out 
beautifully as they paddled, while they exchanged 
an occasional word without interfering with their 
progress. The one in the stern was lighter in com- 
plexion than the rest. While passing he uncon- 
sciously turned his head toward shore and the three 
hidden pairs of eyes had a good look at his face. 
An instant and the canoe with its dusky load was 
gone. The hoys did not move for some minutes. 
Then, drawing a long breath, they looked at one 
another and exclaimed in unison : 

‘‘The Rat!” 

“ He is hot on our trail,” exclaimed Pierre ex- 
citedly. “ He probably followed our expedition at 
a distance and, when he met it returning, learned 
105 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


that we had decided to push on. He has picked 
up two companions on the way. If I mistake not, 
the one in front was Winnatoka. His hums were 
not severe enough evidently to prevent his doing 
a good day’s work with the paddle.” 

To think that he has gotten the start of us ! ” 
wailed Jean in despair. There will he no furs 
left when we find the hiding place. If we only 
hadn’t to go to Michilimackinac ! ” 

“ The question is whether he is going after the 
furs now or is making for Michilimackinac also,” 
was PranQois’s level-headed answer. “ He may 
have some end in view in frightening the trappers 
with tales of the perils attending the passage of 
the Ottawa. We must hasten, after giving him a 
good start and try to reach the island as soon as 
possible after he does. Perhaps we shall pass him 
to-night in the dark. We must keep a sharp look- 
out for any signs of a camp fire.” 

A further wait of two hours ensued, then they 
proceeded cautiously. Despite all their care they 
saw no more traces of The Eat ” and his com- 
panions on the way. Finally the long portage at 
the headwaters of the Ottawa was made in safety 
and they exchanged the confines of the river for 
106 


AN UNPLEASANT PREDICAMENT 

the broad expanse of Lake Huron. They skirted 
the shores of this great body of water for several 
days until finally, far off like a tiny dark cloud, 
they beheld the island of Michilimackinac. The 
sight stirred them to renewed efforts and early one 
afternoon they drew near to the pebbly beach and 
landed. 

“ The Fairy Isle,” as the Indians called it, was 
the westernmost post of New France. Its impor- 
tance was immense and a company of soldiers in 
command of a competent officer was always kept 
there. A place of beauty it was, unexcelled in all 
this wilderness, with its bright sun above it, the 
flashing blue of its surrounding waters, and the 
distant view of land in all directions half hidden 
amid the purple haze of the horizon. But it was 
not for its lovely surroundings, its wooded surface, 
or its commanding bluffs, admirable from a mili- 
tary point of view, that it was so highly prized. 
It was for its situation. Here at the meeting point 
almost of three great lakes, was a convenient gath- 
ering place for dealings with the Indian tribes of 
a vast region, a country that France was slowly 
and fitfully trying to make her own. Here stopped 
the coureurs-de-hois, the hardy hunters, on their 
107 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

way to the settlements with their season’s bounty 
of furs. Congregating at this point in force, they 
then set off on the long journey just made by 
the three boys. A month late in starting this 
year because of the reported Indian ambuscades 
along the Ottawa, a larger number than usual 
were collected, gaming, carousing, fretting at 
the delay, hoping for some favorable event to 
happen that would enable them to start on their 
way. 

On the heights stood the little fort with its 
strong stockade, the home of the lonesome soldiers. 
Beneath lay a collection of Indian huts, housing 
representatives of a dozen different tribes, come 
hither to barter skins for the goods of the white 
man, especially brandy. Along the beach were 
a row of canoes drawn high up, belonging to 
the waiting coureurs-de-hois. Beneath them their 
owners slept, save a few who had taken the trouble 
to erect fragile tents or huts of bark. Some two 
hundred of these lawless men in idleness were suf- 
ficient to keep the place in an uproar, so much so 
that vigorous complaints were annually made by 
the few priests who in their missionary zeal had 
braved the dangers and hardships of the wilderness 
108 


AN UNPLEASANT PREDICAMENT 

and established a mission for the Indians. These 
complaint^, however, had passed unheeded. It was 
into this sort of a community that the hoys found 
themselves cast. 

Their arrival was greeted with vociferous ap- 
plause from the crowd and they were straightway 
assailed hy a hundred questions in one breath. 
Waving them aside with a good-humored depre- 
cating gesture, Frangois asked that they he con- 
ducted to the Commandant of the Fort. This re- 
quest was acceded to hy the coureurs-de-bois, who 
placed the newcomers’ canoe in safe keeping and 
then forming a procession marched the hoys up to 
the Fort, all the time singing a spirited chanson. 
On ascending the hill they found the Commandant, 
aroused hy the approaching noise, at the gateway 
of the stockade. He was a well-built, burly looking 
man, every inch a soldier, one horn to command, 
and an excellent officer for his work of keeping 
control of the rather mixed and at times turbulent 
population of the island. 

Well, my good fellows,” he exclaimed in a 
rough yet kindly tone as his eyes fell upon the lads 
in the front of the crowd, ^^whom have we here 
and what is their business ? ” 

109 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


The boys saluted, and Pierre, acting as spokes- 
man, replied: 

Scouts, in the King’s service, and bearers of 
a letter from Lieutenant Viger, the leader of the 
expedition that started but turned back. Also the 
bearers of the good news that the Ottawa is 
cleared of savages. We have just come through. 
If three boys can make the passage, the fur fleet 
two hundred strong can surely pass in safety.” 

On hearing these words the crowd shouted until 
the boys’ ears were nearly deafened. The Com- 
mandant raised a quieting hand and the tumult sub- 
sided. 

These are brave words,” he replied, as he 
took the protfered letter, “ and true ones I hope, 
although at variance with the report brought yes- 
terday by three friendly Indians who declare the 
woods and banks to be alive with waiting savages. 
However,” he added with a smile, ^^they may be 
lying knaves like their kind. You are brave lads 
to have made a journey, the dangers and fears of 
which have turned an armed expedition of soldiers 
back. I would believe the word of three white men 
against that of three redskins any day.” 

A muffled cheer arose which quickly died away, 
110 


AN UNPLEASANT PREDICAMENT 

as the crowd saw the Commandant open the letter 
and begin to read. When he finished, he smiled. 

It is as I have thought all along, these lines 
from Lieutenant Viger and your own testimony 
•' prove it to my satisfaction.^^ Then raising his voice 
until the farthest spectator could hear him dis- 
tinctly he cried : “ The way is clear, mes amis, and 
safe and waiting for you.” 

A chorus of yells greeted these words and 
the coureurs-de-hois, without waiting to hear 
more, rushed pell-mell down the hill to the 
beach again. 

The hoys, declining an invitation from the Com- 
mandant to spend the night within the Fort, re- 
paired to the water’s edge once more to look after 
their canoe and its contents. The coureurs-de- 
bois, wishing to show their appreciation of the 
news brought by the young scouts, placed the fin- 
est tent on the beach at their disposal and insisted 
on making a feast in their honor. The hoys, ac- 
customed as they had been to rough fare during 
the past few weeks, were glad to avail themselves 
of this opportunity to taste well-cooked food once 
more. Their healths were drunk on all sides and 
when they left the festive throng to seek rest and 
111 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


seclusion in their tent it was with a friendly cheer 
from a hundred throats ringing in their ears. 

The freedom from anxiety coupled with their 
natural fatigue caused them to fall asleep early. 
Their tent was situated some distance from the 
revelers, the noise of whose jollification reached 
their ears hut faintly. Finally even this din ceased 
as the night wore on and silence brooded over the 
island save for the sentry’s call at the Fort and 
the occasional yelp of a sleepy cur in the Indian 
village. 

It was past two o’clock when a dark human 
form emerged from the general obscurity and crept 
catlike toward the tent containing the sleeping 
youths. As it drew near, the figure dropped on 
hands and knees and crawled cautiously to the door 
or flap. It stopped to listen in order to determine 
if it could hear the sounds of all three sleepers. 
Having made sure of this, it went to one side and 
with a sharp knife made a slit in the tent wall 
large enough to admit a human arm. Again did 
the figure listen until it was satisfied that one of 
the sleepers was close at hand. Eeaching in 
through the hole as far as possible, the would-he 
assassin stabbed viciously with the knife a num- 
112 


AN UNPLEASANT PREDICAMENT 


ber of times in various directions. A cry arose 
from the interior that caused him to withdraw his 
arm and steal away with a malignant smile on his 
face. 

The cry came from Jean’s lips. During his 
sleep he had tossed about and finally rolled to the 
outer edge of the pile of houghs that constituted 
his bed. Just as the murderous hand was about to 
descend upon him he stirred and gave one more 
roll that landed him on the ground with a bump. 
He awakened immediately in alarm, dimly con- 
scious of the noise made by the knife as it was 
plunged among the boughs where he had been 
lying. This sound together with his sudden fall 
made him realize that something unusual had hap- 
pened and elicited from him the cry that had given 
so much joy to the figure outside the tent. Fran- 
cois and Pierre were of course aroused, and after 
a word of explanation from Jean rushed into the 
open air. Although they listened carefully and 
made a thorough search of the near neighborhood, 
they found nothing to account for Jean’s fright. 
The remainder of the night Frangois stayed on 
watch, but nothing further of an alarming char- 
acter transpired. 


113 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


When they arose in the morning, the slit above 
the spot where Jean had been sleeping told the 
whole story. 

The Rat ! ” exclaimed Pierre. 

“ Winnatoka! ” cried his brother. 

Either ! ” commented Frangois. 

The next day was spent by the coureurs-de-hois 
in preparing for the journey which was to be be- 
gun on the following morning at daybreak. The 
hoys whiled away the forenoon wandering about 
the Indian village in hopes of seeing one or the 
other of their redskin enemies hut without success. 
Finally after their midday meal, they set out to 
explore for themselves the beauties of the island. 
Together they strolled over its surface, now plung- 
ing through dense thickets, now coming out upon 
a pebbly beach. All game had long ago been ex- 
terminated, so the single gun which they had 
brought along, out of mere habit, was of no use. 
The glimpses caught every little while of the spark- 
ling water and the cloudless sky were so beauti- 
ful that they could not repress many and varied 
ejaculations of admiration. 

Having gradually skirted the shore in their 
walk, they found themselves at the farther side of 
114 


AN UNPLEASANT PREDICAMENT 

the island. Here one of those curious works that 
Nature sometimes leaves behind for man’s wonder 
attracted their attention. From the water a hun- 
dred feet below the edge of the cliff on which they 
stood there arose a column of rock some twelve 
feet square at the top, on which stood a solitary 
pine, tall and straight hut dead, its life worn out 
with years of struggle in its exposed position with 
the elements, or perhaps smitten with the forked 
stroke of the lightning. This column of stone stood 
separated from the mainland by a distance of 
twenty feet. Below were jagged rocks on one side, 
while on the other the shallow waves of the lake 
bathed its base. By some lucky chance a tree had 
fallen from the cliff, its farther end resting on 
the top of the rocky column, thus spanning the 
abyss and affording a tolerably safe means of 
passage. 

One at a time the hoys with youthful daring 
passed over and stretched themselves out with their 
hacks against the stricken pine, giving themselves 
up to a period of rest and contemplation. Par off 
the hazy shores of the mainland were visible, while 
the eye following the windings of the coast could 
barely catch a glimpse of the fort and its en- 
115 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


circling stockade. The wind had died down until 
not a ripple stirred the glassy surface of the lake 
at their feet. A solitary cloud, fleecy and slow 
sailing, obtruded itself against the wide, blue ex- 
panse of the heavens. Behind them in the woods 
not a bird note was heard. Silence and peace per- 
vaded everything. 

This quiet state of nature exerted its influence 
over the lads as they looked with dreamy eyes 
upon the scene before them. No word was spoken ; 
no movement made as in fancy their thoughts flew 
abroad throughout the world. They were so bound 
by the spell of the time and the place that they 
did not hear a light footfall on the edge of the 
woods nor see a crafty, swarthy face peer cautiously 
out from the shade. With noiseless step its owner 
approached the fragile bridge as though to cross 
and creep upon the boys unawares, but instead he 
stopped, and crouching down, seized the end of 
the prostrate tree at his feet and with a mighty 
muscular exertion moved it a few inches. Another 
tug and the whole trunk fell crashing into the 
depths below. The noise brought all three to 
their feet and they turned in time to catch a 
glimpse of “ The Eat ” disappearing among the 
116 


AN UNPLEASANT PREDICAMENT 


trees. Frangois angrily lifted his gun to his 
shoulder, but Pierre laid a restraining hand upon 
his arm: 

“ No,’’ he said firmly, “ although he is our 
enemy, he is also related to Jean and me. I would 
not have his life taken except in self-defense.” 

The elder lad scowled a second, then his face 
cleared and he laughed : 

“Here’s a fine fix; to be in! None of us can 
jump twenty feet to safety and we are likely to 
stay here without food or drink until rescued. I 
doubt, though, with all the confusion of the de- 
parture of the coureurs-de-hoisy whether we are 
missed at all.” 

Jean’s face fell as he surveyed the gulf between 
them and the cliff. 

“ The fleet will start off without us,” he 
groaned, “ and I did so want their company.” 

The sun by this time was fast disappearing 
behind the trees on the cliff. Frangois’ s brow 
clouded. 

“ This is not the most comfortable place in 
which to spend the night. One would hardly dare 
to sleep for fear he might roll off.” Then he added 
with forced gayety as he peered over the edge : “ I 
117 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

fear if one did he would get a harder bump than 
Jean received last night.” 

All three now took counsel as to the means best 
suited to rescue themselves from their predicament, 
hut without avail. The rock was too high and pre- 
cipitous for them to descend without a rope. The 
intervening gap could not he leaped. At length 
Jean looked upward with a smile as he said: 

‘‘We have nothing to do hut to grow wings and 
fly.” His glance heavenward finally rested on the 
tree, their sole companion on the rock. His eyes 
kindled as he exclaimed. “I have it! We must 
chop this pine down and make it fall in the right 
direction. Then we will have a bridge like there 
was before.” 

Pierre sniffed disdainfully at the suggestion. 

“I suppose you have a couple of axes and a 
saw or two in your pocket to do the work with,” 
was his reply. 

“ No,” answered Jean, “ hut Frangois there has 
an Indian hatchet in his belt.” 

Francois hastily produced the weapon. 

“ Certainement ! ” he exclaimed. “ I had for- 
gotten this. I fear it will prove hut a toy for our 
purpose. Better to try, though, than to sit still.” 

118 


AN UNPLEASANT PREDICAMENT 

So saying, he approached the farther side of 
the trunk and after measuring with his eye the 
direction in which he wished the tree to fall, he 
began chipping away the wood. After working 
some time and making slow progress, Pierre took 
his place and was relieved in turn by Jean. Twi- 
light fell and small results had been obtained. 
After dark they continued their labor, although 
more slowly and working by sense of touch rather 
than by sight. All through the night they chipped 
in turn, stopping only when the hatchet became too 
warm. Inch by inch they cut toward the heart of 
the forest monarch towering above them. The first 
gleams of day found them still busy. The hours 
sped on. The sun came up from the watery east 
and found them struggling manfully. At last a 
warning creak told them that the end was near. 
Mournfully the tree groaned as its vitals were thus 
persistently attacked. Its topmost branches quiv- 
ered as though in pain. Finally the last blow was 
struck and Frangois sprang back to safety, as 
with a mighty crash the giant fell. His judgment 
had been true, for as it lay prostrate, still quiver- 
ing in its last agony, it formed a perfect bridge. 
Pierre insisted that he be allowed to make the first 
9 119 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


test of its strength. He passed over in safety. 
Then Jean followed, and Francois came last. 

Halfway to the Fort they obtained a view of 
the lake that showed its surface dotted with the 
tiny boats of the coureurs-de-hois already started 
on their long journey. 


120 


CHAPTER IX 


CONCEENS A LOST POWDEE BAEEEL 

T he first thing the hoys did on reaching the 
beach was to look for their canoe. It was 
gone. During the excitement of embark- 
ing, some one among the coureurs-de~hois had 
quietly appropriated it, or, what was more likely, 
their redskin enemies had made off with it, hoping 
by so doing to delay their plans. The guns and 
ammunition they found intact in the place where 
they had left them. Jean was visibly cast down at 
their new misfortune. Pierre, however, although 
his eyes flashed, remained calm. 

“ We must see the Commandant at once. He 
will surely help us,” he said. 

Accordingly they climbed the hill to the Fort 
and presented themselves before that astonished 
official, who had supposed, of course, that they had 
left with the fleet. Pierre briefly related their last 
night’s experience on the rock, touched upon some 
121 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

of tlie adventures they had had upon the way, and 
ended by requesting in the light of their recent 
services that they be provided with the means of 
making their return trip. 

The Commandant listened to the recital with 
good-humored interest. 

Ventrebleu! he exclaimed with animation. 
“You are indeed beset by a crafty enemy. If I 
ever catch ‘ The Eat ’ at Michilimackinac again, I 
shall remember the trials he has caused you and 
shall order him hanged to the nearest tree for 
crows to peck at and as a warning to all evil- 
doers. Your request is a reasonable one. Surely 
the Colony owes you anything it can afford to pay 
for making it possible for the fleet to reach Mon- 
treal in safety. I, too, am under obligations to you 
for being the means of ridding me of a host of 
turbulent fellows, who, although well meaning, the 
most of them, are indeed a source of annoyance 
to one who loves order and tranquillity on this 
island.” 

The three thanked him for his good will and 
after bidding him a final farewell repaired once 
more to the beach to await the arrival of the as- 
sistance promised. Within an hour or so one of 
122 


A LOST POWDER BARREL 


the soldiers approached and led them to a spot 
where two medium sized canoes were ready for 
launching. Each contained a quantity of provi- 
sions, together with some extra ammunition. 

With the compliments of the Commandant and 
wishes for a safe journey. Adieu, messieurs ! ” 

With these words the soldier saluted, bowed, 
and left them in possession of his superior’s gift. 

What beauties they are ! ” cried Jean in ad- 
miration. 

“ Yes, and see how much stronger than those 
we are accustomed to,” was Pierre’s comment. 

These were never made by any tribes with 
whom we have ever come in contact,” Francois 
added, as he examined them critically. They 
have probably come from the western end of these 
great lakes. They are lighter and yet roomier and 
stronger than those made by our eastern savages 
and will easily carry the five hundred skins at this 
moment waiting to be discovered on our way 
home.” 

Without further delay, the lads shoved their 
newly acquired craft into the water, Frangois en- 
tering one while the two brothers occupied the 
other. They soon learned that the canoes re- 
123 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

sponded quickly to their paddle strokes, as they 
sped swiftly over the dancing water of the lake. 
The few days of rest had put them in good trim 
for this familiar exercise, and as the blood of health 
hurried through their veins their spirits rose, the 
memories of the past weeks of danger and dis- 
tress vanished as a dream of yesterday, while the 
anticipation of the final accomplishment of their 
mysterious errand produced in them a buoyant 
mood and added zest to all their etforts. 

It would have taken but a short time for them 
to have caught up with the fleet, although the latter 
had some six hours’ start. It was decided, however, 
that it would be better for their purpose if they 
lagged behind. By so doing The Eat ” would be 
kept in ignorance of their quick deliverance from 
the predicament in which he had left them and 
would thus rid them of the necessity of contending 
any further with him, at least for a time. Accord- 
ingly, after the first spurt, they settled down to 
more leisurely strokes. 

The weather was propitious for their journey. 
The light breeze blew cool and invigorating about 
them, tempered in some measure by the rays of the 
spring sun that brought in its increased warmth 
124 


A LOST POWDER BARREL 

promise of summer days to come. The surface of 
the lake, hut slightly ruffled by the wind, gave little 
resistance to their rapid progress. The world 
seemed at peace around them; no sign of smoke 
or human habitation was visible to landward, while 
their sole companions on the wide expanse of wa- 
ters were the gulls that wheeled in ever-varying 
circles above their heads or skimmed the surface 
of the lake with watchful eye, darting downward 
now and then, to rise again with screams of 
triumph and much flapping of strong wings as they 
bore off a hapless fish to be devoured at leisure on 
the distant shore. The island of Michilimackinac 
receded gradually from their sight until at length 
it disappeared in a blue haze behind them. 

Toward dusk they drew near shore and landed, 
boldly building a camp fire to relieve the chill that 
came from the lake after the sun went down. The 
conversation naturally touched upon their present 
errand, its dangers and the difficulties that were 
likely to be met. 

“ I, for one, do not think we shall have much 
trouble in locating our treasure,” observed Pierre, 
“ provided ‘ The Rat ’ and his cutthroat crew do 
not arrive at the spot too long ahead of us.” 

125 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

FranQois thought a moment before replying, as 
he drew the copy of the mysterious drawing from 
his damp-proof belt and spread it out before the 
fire. 

The key to the location of the store of skins 
lies in this long, narrow island shown here,” he 
explained, as the brothers crowded close to study 
the chart. observed very carefully on our 
journey up the Ottawa, and nowhere did I see an 
island of this shape, long and narrow. This fact 
makes me confident that the river drawn here is 
not the main stream, but one of its tributaries.” 

But there may be forty of them,” cried Jean 
in dismay. It would take us the whole summer to 
explore them all. In the mean time ‘ The Eat ’ 
would have found and removed the furs and have 
them safely hidden in Montreal, if not actually 
sold.” 

That would unfortunately be true,” replied 
FranQois, “ had we not another clew to guide us. 
You see at the top of the map there is an island. 
What more reasonable than to suppose it is meant 
to represent Michilimackinac, the place where all 
the trappers collect before starting for Montreal? 
Just beneath are eleven suns, meaning a journey 
126 


A LOST POWDER BARREL 


of eleven days, as yonr Uncle Onnesson suggested. 
We need therefore only to keep count of the time 
spent as we proceed and not bother our heads about 
tributaries until the eleven days are up. That nar- 
rows it down considerably.” 

Pierre yawned. 

What is the use of bothering with maps until 
we get somewhere near the region where we expect 
to find the skins! ” he said. We had much better 
spend the time in sleep.” 

Jean laughed assent to this practical proposi- 
tion as he found that his own jaws were exhibit- 
ing tendencies similar to those of his brother. In 
a few moments the three were breathing leisurely, 
entirely lost to their surroundings. They slept thus 
soundly until break of day, undisturbed by the 
plotting of human enemies or the curiosity of their 
wild four-footed neighbors. After a plunge in the 
lake and a sharp run up and down the shore to 
warm the blood, they cooked some of the haunch 
of venison they found among the stores provided 
by their friend, the Commandant, and after a 
hearty breakfast embarked once more upon their 
way. 

The journey was uneventful. The long portage 
127 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


was safely made and at length they launched their 
canoes upon the headwaters of the Ottawa. 

At this point Frangois called for a council of 
war. “ It is very important,” he said gravely, 
“ that we decide upon a definite plan of action and 
then stick to it. We.are about to enter the enemy’s 
country and expose ourselves to many hidden 
dangers. In the first place, if we press on at once 
after the fur fleet we are sure to run across ‘ The 
Eat’ and Winnatoka, who will probably lag be- 
hind the rest and keep a good watch out for us. 
My advice would be to fool them by delaying our 
advance and thus keep them guessing as to our 
whereabouts and plans.” 

“ But won’t that give them time to find the 
furs and make off with them? ” queried Jean anx- 
iously. 

“ On full consideration I think not,” the elder 
boy replied. “ Undoubtedly ‘ The Rat ’ knows the 
identical spot where they are hidden, and can go 
to it at any time. I shouldn’t be surprised if he 
was the one that assisted in hiding them in the 
beginning. Perhaps he it was that drew the mys- 
terious plan for his father. If my idea is cor- 
rect that it was he that stole the original parch- 
128 


A LOST POWDER BARREL 


ment sheet, he did it, not that he might be able 
to find the skins, but in order that we should be 
without any clew to their hiding place. Of course, 
he may suspect that we have a copy because of 
our presence in this region, but he does not know 
that we have it.” 

“ I see your scheme,” exclaimed Pierre. You 
want to mystify them as to where we are and 
what we are doing, and while they are trying to 
find us we will give them the slip, get the skins, 
and be olf with them before they realize it.” 

“ Exactly,” answered Francois. “ They will 
never go near the place until they know what we 
are up to. I believe our best move is to ascend 
the first tributary of the Ottawa we come to some 
twenty or thirty leagues, and keep out of the way 
for three or four days. Then on our return we 
can travel cautiously, and thus have a good 
chance of eluding them.” 

“ I believe you are right,” chimed in Jean en- 
thusiastically. By doing thus we may never see 
them, or, what is better, they may never see us.” 

“ Another advantage of my plan,” continued 
Frangois, “ is that we can employ our time very 
advantageously during these few days in getting 
129 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


a good supply of meat ready. You can see for 
yourselves that our stock of provisions is low and 
will not last long. When once we enter danger- 
ous territory we will be unable to do any hunting, 
for the discharge of one gun might spoil all our 
schemes. Then, too, the matter of time will be 
very important and we could not stop to cook our 
food if we had it. We will be able thus to get 
plenty of deer meat and smoke it before we start 
on the next stage of our journey.” 

The matter being decided the boys proceeded 
leisurely down the Ottawa until they came to the 
mouth of the first good-sized stream emptying its 
waters into that river. They entered this branch 
and went up its course for a full score of leagues. 

On reaching a favorable spot they went ashore. 
Here they met with a great misfortune. While 
unloading their canoes Pierre unluckily dropped 
overboard the small keg of powder which the 
Commandant had included in his gift of stores. 
The three instantly stripped and dived near the 
spot where it had disappeared in the vain hope 
of recovering this valuable asset. The current, 
however, was both deep and strong, and after an 
hour’s hard work they gave up the task greatly 
130 


A LOST POWDER BARREL 


chagrined at the loss. An examination was then 
made of their powder horns each of which was 
found to he half full. Bullets they had in plenty, 
hut the most of them would now be useless. 

After a night’s rest the keen edge of their dis- 
appointment was dulled, and they faced the situa- 
tion bravely. 

“We must make every shot tell,” was Jean’s 
only comment. 

The canoes were carefully hidden, and taking 
all the remaining provisions with them they en- 
tered the forest and, turning their hack on the 
river, struck out vigorously for the interior. 
Here another surprise awaited them. The coun- 
try which they entered, one they expected to find 
plentifully supplied with game, seemed destitute 
of every living thing. No tracks or other evi- 
dences of recent occupation by wild animals were 
visible. Not a bird even fluttered or sang in the 
branches overhead. All day long they wearily 
tramped without resting through an apparently 
deserted region. At night they discussed the 
strange situation but found no solution. The 
next morning they resumed their march with like 
results. Late in the afternoon they halted while 
131 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


Frangois climbed a tree in the hope of discover- 
ing signs of some near-by lake or water course. 
He immediately descended in great excitement. 
“ Quickly ! ” he said in a low voice. “ Follow me 
into a hiding place.” 

Near at hand there stood a clump of firs and 
evergreens about which had grown a dense mass 
of underbrush, forming a fairly serviceable 
screen. The three entered carefully, and throw- 
ing themselves fiat on the ground waited anx- 
iously for what was about to happen. Three min- 
utes had not elapsed before they heard the sound 
of breaking twigs, and on peering out discreetly 
between the leaves they beheld a band of some 
twenty Indians pass not a dozen paces away. The 
savages did not suspect their presence, and strode 
along with almost noiseless tread and were soon 
lost to sight. 

‘‘ That was a lucky climb of mine,” muttered 
Frangois under his breath. “ If it had not been 
for that we would have been prisoners this very 
minute.” 

The two brothers took long breaths of relief 
before asking Frangois what he thought of the 
matter. 


132 


A LOST POWDER BARREL 


They are evidently a hunting party,” was his 
answer, “ and are not on the warpath, for you 
noticed they had no war paint on. Their luck has 
been the same as ours judging from their empty 
shoulders.” Then, after a moment of thoughtful 
silence he added : Although they have no game 
they have something else that we need, and that is 
powder. They have covered a long distance to- 
day, I think, for they walked as though they were 
thoroughly tired. Do you stay here until my re- 
turn. Make no noise and do not worry about me 
for I may not get hack until morning.” 

‘‘What are you going to do?” asked Jean in 
alarm. 

“ Follow them and, when they are asleep, re- 
lieve them of some of their ammunition. They 
will sleep soundly after their day^s tramp, and 
thus make my task a comparatively easy one.” 

Both of his companions begged him not to 
go hut he was unmovable in his determination. 
“ Something must be done,” was his reply, as he 
prepared to leave. “ It would he a pity for us to 
he hampered in our movements for the want of a 
little powder.” 

A moment later he glided forth, unarmed save 
133 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

for his hunting knife, and started after the red- 
skins. Their trail was easy to follow and he 
made rapid progress. As the sun sank he slowed 
his pace and proceeded more carefully. Finally 
the odor of burning wood reached his nostrils, 
and he knew that he was not far from their en- 
campment. He secreted himself until after dark, 
and then gradually worked his way in the direc- 
tion from which the smell proceeded. Slowly and 
cautiously he advanced on all fours without a 
sound until he caught sight of the camp fire 
around which he could distinguish the seated 
forms of the savages. He judged that after their 
tiresome march they would seek rest early. This 
proved to be the case, for after a little he saw the 
redskins stretch themselves out with their feet to 
the fire and compose themselves for the night. 
The party evidently had no fear of enemies for 
no sentry was stationed to keep watch, the only 
precautionary measure taken being the covering 
of the fire with ashes so that only a mild glow was 
suffused about the open space where they lay. 

FranQois waited a full hour after the camp 
had quieted down before venturing any farther. 
Inch by inch he moved, nearer and nearer, softly 
134 


A LOST POWDER BARREL 

and silently, like a cat making its noiseless ap- 
proach toward an unsuspecting prey. Finally he 
entered the sleeping circle and raised himself into 
a standing posture so as to get as good a view of 
the scene as the subdued light from the fire would 
permit. All about him lay the sleeping forms of 
the savages separated from one another by a dis- 
tance of not much over a yard. Frangois, after 
a rapid glance around him, knelt down beside the 
nearest redskin. This individual had wrapped 
himself so tightly in his blanket as to defy even 
Frangois’s deft fingers, so he was obliged to pass 
him by in favor of his neighbor. This Indian, of 
gigantic stature, lay in an easy attitude only 
partly covered by his blanket. On lifting this, 
Frangois discovered the owner’s gun and powder 
horn lying close by his side. This latter he qui- 
etly appropriated and directed his attention to 
the next brave who lay quietly sleeping, curled up, 
without any covering whatever, on the springy 
carpet of pine needles that littered the ground. 
His powder horn was within easy reach, and in 
an instant changed ownership. The next half 
dozen forms that Frangois examined were all so 
tightly rolled up in their blankets that he 
10 135 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

dared not disturb them. By this time he had 
traversed the sleeping circle halfway. A third 
horn had just been secured when, by the faint 
light that grew momentarily dimmer, the lad was 
surprised to see one of the Indians on the oppo- 
site side of the fire sit up and look sleepily about 
him. Quick as a flash Frangois dropped noise- 
lessly to the ground and took his place between 
two of the recumbent forms. The awakened sav- 
age arose slowly and going to the fire replenished 
it, and, after a glance about the camp to see that 
all was well, resumed his bed. Frangois waited 
until he thought the redskin was again asleep, 
when he prepared to arise and take his departure 
having secured all the powder he thought neces- 
sary. Before he could move a muscle, however, 
he was horrified at seeing the Indian next to him 
stir uneasily and awaken. Frangois lay still, 
breathing regularly and keeping a sharp eye upon 
his neighbor, his hand clasped tightly about the 
handle of his hunting knife ready to spring up 
and use this weapon if discovered, hoping in the 
general confusion to be able to make his escape. 
The savage sat up, blinked at the fire a moment, 
then cast a cautious look about him. FrauQois’s 
136 


A LOST POWDER BARREL 


heart gave a jump as the redskin’s eyes rested an 
instant upon him. Sleep and the glare of the fire, 
however, blinded his vision, and with a satisfied 
grunt he lay down again, this time with his back 
to his watchful neighbor, and soon his deep 
breathing announced his return to the land of 
dreams. After waiting a full half hour longer 
Frangois arose and slowly and carefully made his 
retreat. When he had put a half league of dis- 
tance between himself and the camp, he quickened 
his pace and pushed boldly on toward the point 
where he had left the other two boys. When he 
had reached the supposed vicinity of their hiding 
place he gave the cry of a loon, and was rejoiced 
to hear an answering call. In a few minutes he 
had joined the rest. 

“ Come ! ” he said cheerily. I have been suc- 
cessful. Let us not delay but get as far away 
from the enemy as possible before dawn.” 

The others followed obediently and the three 
silently threaded the dark woods at a rapid pace. 
At daybreak they stopped beside a tiny spring to 
rest and refresh themselves. The powder horns 
were examined and found to be nearly full. En- 
couraged by this increase in their supply of am- 
137 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


munition they proceeded on their return journey 
with a sharp outlook for any signs of the much- 
desired game. 

The path they followed was not identical with 
that traversed the day before, but was in the same 
general direction. As the hours passed they ex- 
perienced the same disappointment as formerly — 
not a single living thing was visible. When they 
halted at noon to eat sparingly of their slender 
store of provisions all three realized that they 
were face to face with a very serious situation. 

This will never do ! ” exclaimed Frangois, 
after a few moments of silence. “We are cover- 
ing too small a territory by keeping all together. 
I propose that we now separate — ^but not so far 
that we cannot hear each other’s signals— and 
proceed as before. By so doing we will stand a 
better chance of success. If a gunshot is heard 
from any one of us, the other two must hurry in 
his direction so as to aid in killing the game in 
case he is unsuccessful.” 

This advice was followed and the march was 
resumed, the boys being separated from one an- 
other by a distance of a couple of hundred yards. 
No difference at first resulted from this change 
138 


A LOST POWDER BARREL 

of plan. After proceeding for a conple of hours, 
however, Pierre met with a great surprise. He 
suddenly came to a small open space in the for- 
est, the ground of which was covered with a beau- 
tiful green turf. As he entered the clearing he 
beheld a magnificent elk standing a short distance 
off quietly feeding on the rich, soft grass. The 
noble animal scented his approach for it immedi- 
ately left off eating and, raising its head, sniffed 
the air suspiciously. As it did so Pierre could 
not repress an involuntary exclamation of ad- 
miration at its large size and the beautiful huge 
antlers that it moved restlessly through the air. 
At the same instant that Pierre raised his gun 
the elk caught sight of him, and giving a snort 
of alarm prepared to run away. But the lad was 
too quick for him and, after taking a hasty aim, 
fired at the nearest shoulder. The shot was not 
fatal, but served with the pain it inflicted to infuri- 
ate the beast, which turned on his human enemy 
with a bellow of rage. Pierre knew that some- 
times, when wounded, an elk would show fight and 
prove an ugly customer to deal with. He there- 
fore hastened to reload. The animal, as though 
guessing his intention, started with lowered head 
139 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

and a cry, halfway between a growl and a bel- 
low, and ran rapidly in the young hunter’s direc- 
tion. Pierre realized that the distance was too 
short to give him time to prepare for another 
shot so he took to his heels, hoping to get behind 
some thicket where the elk could not readily fol- 
low him. He would probably have gained his ob- 
ject had he not had the misfortune to slip and, 
losing his balance, fall prone upon the ground. 
He knew his peril for he heard the sharp thud 
upon the turf of the hoofs of the maddened beast 
as he rushed upon him. He vainly struggled to 
regain his footing in time but failed. He was 
already up on one knee when the wild, angry eyes 
seemed only a few feet away and the murderous- 
looking antlers 'almost touched him. His heart 
failed him as he realized that he was at the 
wounded brute’s mercy, and closed his eyes ex- 
pecting to be gored to death and trampled upon 
the next instant. 

Suddenly a voice rang out clear and strong, 
the voice of his brother Jean, “Play dead!” 
Then there flashed through his mind the recollec- 
tion of having heard somewhere that many wild 
animals will not molest a dead man, and that 
140 


A LOST POWDER BARREL 

some hunters had escaped with their lives when 
defenseless by simulating death. He accordingly 
fell back to the ground motionless and lay 
there limp and without breathing. The next sec- 
ond seemed to him an eternity. He knew that 
Jean would come to his rescue if the beast^s at- 
tack could be delayed ever so little. As it was, 
the elk stopped suddenly as he saw the seemingly 
lifeless figure stretched out before him. Then his 
hot steaming muzzle touched the boy’s face as he 
proceeded to investigate his prostrate enemy’s 
condition. Pierre held his breath and lay still, 
with closed eyes, straining his ears to hear the 
first sounds of approaching aid. A snapping of 
a dry stick was heard, then the report of a gun 
fired near at hand. He opened his eyes only to 
see the huge animal, whose enormous bulk tow- 
ered above him, falling down without a moan with 
a bullet in his heart, while Jean sped anxiously 
toward him. He was saved! Pierre quickly 
sprang to his feet, and the two brothers embraced 
each other affectionately. At the same moment a 
crashing sound was heard and Francois broke 
from the woods into the open space on the run. 
He understood the situation at a glance. Going 
141 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


up to Pierre, lie asked with alarm: “Are you 
hurt?” Then seeing that his friend was un- 
injured he turned to Jean and gave him a re- 
sounding slap on the shoulder. “ Well done, mon 
ami ! ” he cried admiringly. “ That was a perfect 
shot. There’s not a coureur -de-hois in all New 
France that could have done better.” 

Little time was lost, however, in unnecessary 
words, and they were all three soon busy. Jean 
making a fire while the others quickly cut off 
a steak which was promptly cooked. After a 
hearty meal they spent the rest of the afternoon 
in cutting more meat into strips and letting them 
hang in the smoke of the fire. By morning a 
plentiful supply of food was thus ready for them. 
They then resumed their route toward the place 
where they had left the canoes, and by mid- 
afternoon were once more afloat. The next day 
they entered the waters of the Ottawa. 


142 


CHAPTER X 


DEVOTED TO A GAME OF HIDE AND SEEK 

T heir first camp was fireless, as the cau- 
tious Frangois deemed it prudent to dis- 
play no signals that would attract two- 
footed prowlers. The first morning after this was 
done the two brothers awoke to find themselves 
alone. By the time breakfast was ready Fran- 
Qois appeared. Although he said nothing, his 
companions detected a look of concern in his face 
that he tried in vain to hide. Upon being asked 
the cause of his anxiety he replied : 

“Nothing that I can put a finger on. I some- 
how scent danger in the air, but after exploring 
this vicinity for the past hour, I can find no evi- 
dence of it in any direction. We must be on our 
guard, however, as we are getting near the enemy’s 
country.” 

That night a watch was kept but nothing of an 
alarming nature occurred. Again did Frangois 
143 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


disappear before breakfast, only to return in a 
short time. He beckoned to the two brothers and 
leading them to a thicket of underbrush that pro- 
tected their camp on one side, showed them a tree 
the moss on which had been recently rubbed at 
about the height of a man’s shoulder and also 
a number of tiny broken branches so arranged as 
to leave a small open space through which an 
enemy might overlook their encampment. The 
boys stared at one another. 

“I can’t see that that means anything,” said 
Pierre bravely. “ Any animal could have left these 
signs.” 

Frangois shook his head in dissent. 

The animal that has been here has a red skin, 
walks on two legs and has ten fingers. We are 
followed and watched.” 

Their food was eaten in silence. The discovery 
just made seemed to act as a depressant upon the 
spirits of the three. After starting again, however, 
on their journey, and the dark shadows of the 
woods were exchanged for the bright, clear, sun- 
shiny air, their brains cleared of all anxiety, and 
even Frangois was disposed to belittle the impor- 
tance of the disturbing signs. 

144 


HIDE AND SEEK 


That night all went well. Frangois, who kept 
the last watch, sat muffled in his blanket with his 
back against a tree, his eyes peering watchfully in 
all directions as the early gray of dawn struggled 
with the surrounding darkness. While thus en- 
gaged a slight sound attracted his attention. Sum- 
moning all his powers of observation, he watched 
the woods in the direction whence the sound came. 
A slight movement of a branch followed. It was 
pulled aside still further. Finally an opening was 
made and the features of an Indian appeared. 
With a swift glance, he took in the condition of 
the camp with its three motionless figures. Fran- 
cois’s eyes from the depths of his blanket watched 
every movement of the intruder without fear of 
detection. The savage, reassured by the silence 
and tranquillity of the scene, inspected more slowly 
the disposition of the three boys. When his 
eye fell upon the two brothers sleeping peace- 
fully, a gleam of satisfaction shot athwart his 
swarthy features. The solitary muffled figure lean- 
ing against the tree with his rifle resting care- 
lessly across his knees was next observed care- 
fully. His motionless pose evidently convinced 
the savage that he was asleep, for he pushed his 
145 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

face more boldly through the opening and re- 
garded him with a countenance lighted up with a 
look of mingled hate and satisfaction. Suddenly 
the face was withdrawn and an instant later the 
barrel of a gun was gently thrust through the 
branches, its muzzle aimed directly at the sup- 
posedly unconscious FrauQois. Quick as a flash 
the latter’s weapon was brought in line with that 
of the enemy and the trigger pulled. At the same 
instant the boy threw himself flat upon the ground 
and rolled over a few times, then jumped nimbly 
up and disappeared behind the protecting trunk of 
the tree against which he had been leaning. The 
Indian’s gun was discharged a fraction of a second 
later than his own. Its bullet went wild, striking 
high among the tree branches, showing a disturbed 
aim, while a terrible yell arose from among the 
underbrush that betrayed the success of the young 
lad’s hasty shot. 

The two brothers were awakened by the sound 
of firearms and seeing their companion seeking 
shelter, hastily seized their own guns and posted 
themselves behind trees ready for any further at- 
tack. None came, however. A muffled groan and 
the sound of snapping twigs proceeded from the 
146 


HIDE AND SEEK 


direction of the enemy, then all was still. After 
some moments’ delay, Frangois motioned to his 
companions to remain where they were, while he 
glided from tree to tree in a circuitous direction and 
disappeared in the forest. The hoys waited pa- 
tiently for a full quarter of an hour, then heard 
the familiar signal of their friend, the cry of a 
loon, and a moment later beheld him step boldly 
into the open space of the camp and beckon to 
them. They promptly emerged from their places 
of concealment and joined him with wondering 
eyes. He told them briefly what had occurred 
and led them to the spot where the savage had 
stood. 

“ I am sorry this thing has happened,” he said 
seriously, “ because I undoubtedly killed him. No 
man could lose the amount of blood you see scat- 
tered about on the leaves, and live. His friends 
evidently took him away for burial. This is the 
first Indian I have ever slain,” he added with a 
slight shudder, “ but it was either his life or mine, 
a fair fight, and favor to neither side. This event 
will further increase our dangers, for now it 
means war to the death on the part of ‘ The Eat ’ 
and Winnatoka. It must have been their com- 
147 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


panion whom I hit, for his features were strange 
to me. Before this, their efforts were mainly di- 
rected against our getting the skins. Now the 
motive of revenge will be added. From this hour 
we must double our precautions. We have a 
crafty enemy to deal with. To succeed we must 
prove ourselves more crafty than he.” 

With sobered, thoughtful faces, the three re- 
traced their steps and hastily loaded the canoes, 
casting many a furtive glance at the surround- 
ing forest meanwhile, and embarked on their jour- 
ney without stopping to eat their breakfast. It 
was not until their eager paddles had urged them 
some leagues on the way and the bright sun and 
the peaceful aspect of nature had had their effect 
on their youthful minds, that their naturally bright 
and courageous dispositions asserted themselves 
once more. 

“ Pshaw ! ” exclaimed boastful Pierre, as he 
gave a vicious downthrust with his paddle, “ who’s 
afraid! We have outwitted them before and we 
shall do so again.” 

Even Jean shared in his brother’s feeling as 
he replied with a defiant toss of the head. 

“We are three to their two now. If we can- 
148 


HIDE AND SEEK 


not check their villainy we deserve to lose the furs 
and our scalps, too.” 

Frangois was more reserved in speech as he 
swept his canoe close to his companions. 

“We shall succeed if we observe three things.” 

“What are they? ” cried the brothers with in- 
terest. 

“ The first is caution. The second is more cau- 
tion. The third is more caution still,” and with 
a laugh he shot ahead, and looking over his shoul- 
der challenged the two brothers to a race toward 
the next bend in the river, which was promptly 
accepted. 

That night no landing was made, Pierre and 
Jean taking turns in getting what sleep they could, 
while Frangois remained at his post of leader, a 
little in advance of the rest. The night was clear 
with a nearly full moon to brighten the surface 
of the river and cast deep shadows along its edge, 
where the travelers laid their course. They hoped 
by thus proceeding without stopping that they 
would put a long distance between themselves and 
their pursuers. The moonlight showed them their 
mistake for, resting from their labors and allow- 
ing themselves to drift, they chanced to gaze back 
149 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


along the silvery track of the stream. As they did 
so, far away in the distance, they descried a canoe 
with two occupants shoot around a point of land 
at full speed. The enemy were hot upon their 
trail. This sight spurred on their lagging speed 
until day dawned, the morning of the eleventh day 
since leaving Michilimackinac. In the middle of 
the forenoon they came to the mouth of a stream 
on the left. The two brothers were surprised to 
see Frangois make for shore at this point, hut fol- 
lowed his example without hesitation. When they 
had landed they found the spot admirably adapted 
for concealment. 

I believe this is the stream we are seeking,” 
explained Frangois, as they carefully hid their 
canoes. My idea is to lie in wait for the enemy 
at this point. If they pass by, then this is not 
the place. Should I he right, however, we shall 
see them turn up the tributary, thinking that 
we know the place of concealment as well as 
they. We have some three or four hours’ start 
of them, so two of us can afford to take a little 
rest.” 

Pierre was accordingly posted to watch while 
the other two stretched themselves out and straight- 
150 


HIDE AND SEEK 


way fell asleep. It seemed to them that they had 
scarcely closed their eyes when they felt Pierre’s 
hand on their shoulders and heard his voice whis- 
pering : 

“ Here they come.” 

The three hoys, screened from observation, 
peered out upon the river. A few moments passed 
and they beheld the canoe of their foes approach- 
ing. It came so close to shore that the hidden 
watchers could recognize the faces of “ The Eat ” 
and Winnatoka as they passed. When opposite 
the tributary stream, the canoe swerved sharply 
and entered at full speed the swollen water course. 
When they had disappeared Francois laughed 
quietly to himself. 

“You see I was right. This is the river we 
are looking for. The next thing to do is to outwit 
those cunning rascals.” After a few moments’ 
thought his mind was made up. “ Come ! ” he ex- 
claimed, “ out with the canoes. We will follow 
them.” 

While engaged in getting off, he explained his 
plan. “ They will have a good half hour’s start. 
They will probably land somewhere near the spot 
we are seeking and look around for us. Not find- 
11 151 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


ing any traces of onr whereabouts, they will watch 
the river. We will come along in uncertain fashion 
as though looking for the place, will pass on above 
it and shortly return descending to the Ottawa 
again. We will then hurry up that river a couple 
of leagues, hide our canoe, and steal across the 
intervening strip of land. The redskins on seeing 
us pass down the stream will conclude that we 
cannot find the landing place we are after and have 
given up, either to go home or to search some other 
tributary. They will then follow us and descend 
the Ottawa for some distance before discovering 
their mistake, thus giving us time to find the furs, 
or else they will remain to seek them themselves. 
In which case, thinking we have gone, it will not 
he difficult to surprise them. I would not mind 
making them prisoners a hit.” 

This plan was straightway carried out. They 
had not ascended the strange stream far when they 
came to a long, narrow island, just such an one as 
appeared upon their map. 

‘‘I would wager a million skins, if I had 
them,” remarked Pierre as they drew near, “ that 
that is the place where those rogues have 
landed.” 


152 


HIDE AND SEEK 


^‘Yes, and at this very moment are watching 
our every movement,” added Jean. 

Keep near the shore,” warned Frangois. 
“ They would love nothing better than to take a 
pop at us from ambush if we came too close. By 
hugging the western edge, we are practically out 
of gunshot.” 

There were no signs of the enemy anywhere. 
The afternoon sun brightened the wilderness, silent 
and deserted save for the splash now and then of 
a hungry fish and the distant scream of a hawk 
that hovered above their heads. Beyond the island 
a short distance they spied on the right hank the 
spot they had come so many leagues to see : a curve 
in the shore with a cleared space running hack 
some hundred yards, where it was finally hemmed 
in by the forest. Slowly the canoes passed on 
another league, then turned and came hack as 
slowly. The island was passed again without any 
sign of hostility from the enemy. When this was 
hidden by a turn of the river, Frangois shouted 
“ Hurry ! ” and the paddles made the waters fairly 
boil as the two canoes sped toward the little 
stream’s mouth. This being gained, they turned 
up the Ottawa instead of down and after a league 
153 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


or more liad been traversed, a suitable place for 
landing was found and the canoes carefully hidden. 
The stores and ammunition were quickly shoul- 
dered and the three hardy youths started eastward 
through the woods. 


154 


CHAPTER XI 


IN WHICH THE MYSTEKIOIJS EECORD GIVES UP 
ITS SECRET 

A n hour’s tramp through the woods brought 
them to the western shore of the tributary 
stream at a point opposite the island. 
Here they halted and threw down their burdens, 
where a fine view was had without danger of be- 
traying their own position. They spent some time 
on the watch before anything occurred, and Jean 
expressed the fear that the Indians had left their 
place of concealment while they were engaged in 
their land journey. Pierre, too, leaned toward this 
belief and advocated their hold advance across the 
river without further loss of time. FrauQois, how- 
ever, shook his head. 

“ A false move now might wreck all our plans. 
We must wait until we know the whereabouts of 
the enemy.” 

The wisdom of this course was shown in a 
few moments. While the boys scanned the island 
155 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


steadily, a canoe shot out suddenly from some hid- 
den spot into mid stream. It held two occupants, 
who hastily paddled away to the southward in 
the direction originally taken by the three lads 
and was soon lost to sight. After waiting so 
long without seeing the boys return, the savages 
were evidently convinced that they had gone for 
good and accordingly started after in hot pursuit. 
Pierre generously acknowledged his mistake. 

“ You were right, as usual, Frangois,” he said. 

Your head is worth both of ours.” 

The older boy smiled good-naturedly. 

He that has savage foes to deal with must 
learn to curb his impulses, otherwise he may easily 
come to grief. However, now is the moment for 
action. We must lose no time, for those rascals 
will be back inside of twenty-four hours.” 

So saying, he led the others to a point a half 
league higher up the stream where a convenient 
ford was located. They waded across with the 
water up to their waists, carrying their loads to 
a place of safety on the opposite shore. Here a 
fire was lighted and their clothes dried, while a 
quantity of venison was cooked so that they would 
not have to bother about the question of food very 
156 



“Frangois spread out the mysterious chart once more.” 



THE RECORD GIVES UP ITS SECRET 


soon, but could devote all their time and energies 
to the task before them. Francois spread ont the 
mysterious chart once more and all three attempted 
to decipher its meaning. 

The spot where we are now,^’ explained Fran- 
cois, putting his forefinger upon the map, is on the 
shore of this little bay that is clear of trees save 
those four tall pines yonder.’’ 

“And these marks starting from the nearest 
tree and passing toward the right of the map look 
like Indian footprints, for they are all pigeon- 
toed tracks,” interrupted Jean eagerly. 

“Yes,” replied Frangois, “and there are just 
fifteen of them. They lead to these two round ob- 
jects which I imagine are the stones referred to in 
the inscription below.” 

“ We are getting along finely,” exclaimed Pierre 
with enthusiasm. “ Let us go and see where these 
strange tracks will lead us.” 

All three repaired to the nearest of the four 
lone pines and Pierre, starting with his back against 
its trunk, proceeded to take manly strides in the 
direction indicated. Jean and Frangois followed 
him, keeping careful count of his steps. His course 
led them directly toward the forest. Much to their 
157 



158 


THE RECORD GIVES UP ITS SECRET 

surprise they found this to consist only of two rows 
of evergreens, and when these were passed a large 
open space appeared, screened from the river by 
the trees and extending northward toward the line 
of distant hills with scarcely a shrub to intercept 
the view. 

Eleven — twelve — ^thirteen — fourteen — ^fifteen,” 
counted Pierre and then stopped. “ And here are 
the two stones.” 

These stones proved to he the tops of huge 
bowlders buried in the soil which protruded their 
gray-white heads about two feet above the surface 
of the ground. A man could easily stand with a 
foot on either stone, so close were they together. 

“So far, so good,” exclaimed Jean gleefully, 
brimming over with excitement. “ But what comes 
next? ” 

“ Let us read the inscription,” suggested Fran- 
cois. “ ^ With a half string from the stones stand- 
ing to the notch ^ ” 

“ That is as clear as a sum in mathematics would 
be to Winnatoka and his tribe,” Pierre muttered 
glumly. 

“ ‘ Prom the stones standing to the notch,’ ” re- 
peated Francois to himself. “ ^ From the stones 
159 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


standing ’ would mean that one was to do some- 
thing while standing on these two rocks.” So 
speaking he climbed up and stood in the manner 
designated. “ ^ To the notch ’ means a direction, 
hut where is there any notch in sight? ” 

Jean clambered up beside his friend and the 
two looked about them on every side. At last 
he gave a little gasp of surprise and pointed 
northward toward the range of hills. These were 
not very remarkable in appearance, their outline 
against the sky being much the same as would he 
expected ; but between two of them there appeared 
an angular gap, very different from the rest and 
one that might easily be called a notch. Francois 
comprehended Jean’s gesture in an instant. 

‘‘You are right,” he said as he jumped down 
to look at the map again. “ We might have known 
that from the drawing. See, here is the line of 
hills near the top and here is the notch plainly 
marked.” 

Encouraged by the progress thus made, the first 
part of the inscription was next considered. 

“ What I can’t understand,” began Pierre, “ is 
what is meant by a half string ! Who ever heard of 
a half string? ” 


160 


THE RECORD GIVES UP ITS SECRET 

Even Frangois shook his head dubiously and 
was completely nonplussed. 

It probably means something that is familiar 
to trappers and Indians alike,” suggested Jean 
thoughtfully. 

In an instant Frangois’s brow cleared on hear- 
ing these words. 

“ How stupid ! ” he exclaimed. The Indians 
sometimes speak of their bow being at the half 
string when the arrow is drawn back halfway. 
In other words, it means an arrow shot with one 
half the usual force.” 

If we only had a bow and arrow, you could 
stand on the stones, aim at the notch and with a 
half shot end all our perplexities,” exclaimed Jean 
regretfully. 

Pierre looked at his brother in scorn. 

^‘And where did you suppose we were going 
to find a bow and arrow in this wilderness? Did 
you think yonder hawk would drop them at our feet 
or did you expect Winnatoka to return and oblig- 
ingly lend us his? ” 

The others laughed at the absurdity of this 
speech. 

We do not need to have a real bow and ar- 
161 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


row to go ahead with our discoveries,” re- 
sumed FrauQois encouragingly. “We can esti- 
mate roughly the distance meant. Let me see — 
a grown Indian in a full bowshot would probably 
cover a distance of two hundred paces. A half 
string would mean about half that number. Let 
us try it.” 

So saying he began at the rocks and paced 
slowly in the direction of the notch. "When one 
hundred steps had been counted off he stopped, 
and putting a stick in the ground for a marker, 
sat down map in hand to study its hidden mean- 
ing further. 

“ ^ On the full twelve right end,’ ” he read in 
a puzzled tone and looked at the other two for help. 

“ The full moon,” suggested Pierre. 

“ And twelve must mean the hour of midnight,” 
added Frangois. 

The two brothers gave a cheer at the success 
so far obtained in deciphering the hidden message. 

“ But what has the full moon got to do with 
this? ” Pierre asked impatiently. 

Frangois was silent a moment as he tried to 
think of some possible explanation. 

“ The furs are probably buried somewhere near 
162 


THE RECORD GIVES UP ITS SECRET 


this spot,” he murmured aloud. “ These words are 
a clew to the discovery of their exact location. It 
would he most natural to give two direction lines 
at right angles to each other at whose intersection 
we would find the desired treasure. We have evi- 
dently one of these lines; now, what objects are 
there hy means of which with the moon’s aid we 
could run a line at right angles to this one? ” and 
he looked about the open space in vain. 

Pierre repeated his question. Frangois has- 
tened to reply. 

“ The moon might cast a shadow of some object 
on the ground that would give the line we are in 
need of. Further than that we could not use the 
moon at all.” 

‘‘ Then I give it up,” exclaimed Pierre petu- 
lantly, “ there is nothing anywhere near us except 
that old tree that has no life left in its trunk.” 

The tree referred to was a tall blasted pine 
shorn of all its branches save two, a melancholy 
ruin indeed, situated about a dozen paces to their 
left. The hoys drew near and examined it curi- 
ously. Jean, after a thoughtful look, seized the 
map from Frangois and after a glance exclaimed 
joyfully: 


163 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


I have it, I have it ! Here you see it plainly 
marked, the only tree in all this open ground. It 
has two branches, one on the left short and broken 
off, the one on the right three times as long. They 
correspond exactly to the drawing.” 

The other two hoys confirmed this important 
discovery. 

All we have to do, then,” exclaimed Pierre 
in triumph, is to wait until midnight, note the 
direction cast by the right-hand branch above us, 
and extend that line until it crosses the one we have 
already laid out.” 

Frangois nodded. 

‘‘And as the sun is already disappearing,” he 
said, “ we had best get a nap and be bright and 
fresh when midnight comes.” 

“ I am too excited to sleep a wink to-night,” 
exclaimed Jean enthusiastically. 

“ So am I,” added Pierre. 

“ Then we will all keep watch together,” said 
Frangois, good-naturedly agreeing with the other 
two. 

The three stretched themselves on the ground 
beside the tree to rest and talk until the midnight 
hour should give them the information sought. 

164 


THE RECORD GIVES UP ITS SECRET 

The sun sank rapidly, leaving a great splash of 
color in the sky that faded into pink, then gray, 
then merged slowly into the oncoming dusk. No 
sound of night prowling beasts came to their ears. 
All was still save for a melancholy owl in the 
distant woods that startled now and then even their 
accustomed ears with his raucous tones. The twi- 
light fast faded into night, while thousands of stars 
like so many spying eyes peeped down inquiringly 
at them. As they watched the east, a glow soon 
came that spread, and suddenly the bright edge of 
the moon appeared above the neighboring woods, 
increasing in size momentarily until at last it sailed 
upward majestically like a silver ship in a sea of 
darkest blue, flooding the scene with its soft light. 
The hoys watched this slow transformation of the 
face of nature with interest not unmixed with awe. 

At length the silence was broken by Jean, who 
spoke in a voice whose tone was tinged with home- 
sickness : 

“ To think that this same moon is looking down 
to-night on Quebec and watching what father and 
Uncle Ormesson are doing as well as keeping an eye 
on us. I wonder what they are about this evening.” 

“ Counting the days until we return and won- 
165 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

dering what has really happened to us. They have 
learned by this time of the failure of the expedi- 
tion in opening a way for the fur fleet and are 
correspondingly depressed,” was Pierre’s comment. 

Their mourning and that of all Quebec will be 
turned into joy in a few days when the tidings reach 
them of the arrival of the coureurs-de-hois at Mon- 
treal.” 

‘‘ The news will not affect them much, I fear,” 
added Francois. 

“Is our successful arrival with the lost skins 
then of such overwhelming importance! ” queried 
Jean with concern. “ Of course, I know it would 
mean a large increase in their business returns ” 

“ It denotes much more than that,” quietly in- 
terrupted FrauQois. “ It means that their financial 
credit will be saved, if we accomplish what we 
are after. If not — ^then ruin for both of them. You 
evidently have been kept in ignorance of the con- 
dition of their affairs. I learned all about it from 
a reliable source just before leaving Quebec. I 
have said nothing about the matter heretofore, be- 
cause I did not want you to have any unnecessary 
worry; but now I think it only right that you 
should be told how important the favorable ful- 
166 


THE RECORD GIVES UP ITS SECRET 


fillment of our hopes is to both your father and 
uncle.” 

The brothers drew near so as not to lose a word 
of their companion's recital and listened intently 
as he proceeded. 

“ It seems that in the year following your 
uncle’s death they undertook a couple of trading 
schemes that utterly failed. About a year ago it 
was necessary to borrow a sum of money to clear 
them ; hut money was scarce in Quebec and few had 
any to lend. At length they fell into the clutches 
of old Rene Poucard, who is said to be a regular 
Jew and a confirmed miser. He came to their 
rescue, hut on hard terms. I did not learn what 
the amount involved was, hut I do know that imless 
that debt is paid by the first day of June, only a 
short time from now, your father’s and uncle’s 
houses, and in fact everything they own, will be 
gobbled up by that greedy old man. Nothing can 
he done to him, for everything is perfectly legal. 
The only salvation for them is our ability to find 
and bring to Quebec in safety this store of skins 
we are now seeking. You can thus see how much 
depends upon our efforts and the good fortune that 
we hope will attend them.” 

13 167 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


The boys were quiet a moment after Frangois 
ceased speaking. Jean was the first to break the 
silence. 

‘‘ Will the value of these five hundred skins we 
are after be large enough to cancel the indebted- 
ness ? ” he asked. 

^‘Yes, and leave something over, I should 
imagine,” was the reassuring reply. 

<< Why weren’t we told of this in the begin- 
ning?” burst forth Pierre hotly. ‘‘Then, after 
leaving the expedition we could have come directly 
here and left the cowardly coureurs-de-hois cooped 
up in Michilimackinac to cool their heels a while 
longer. In that case, too, we should have had no 
opposition to our search, no ‘ Eat ’ or Winnatoka 
dogging our footsteps like a pair of hounds.” 

“ You forget, Pierre, that we had our duty to 
our King and Colony to attend to first. We started 
out under the commands of our superior officer, the 
Governor. Until we had exhausted every possible 
effort to carry out his orders, we had no business 
to look after our own private affairs,” was Jean’s 
quick rejoinder. 

“ Of course you are right,” exclaimed Pierre, 
half ashamed of his former words. “My mind was 
168 


THE RECORD GIVES UP ITS SECRET 

so filled with thoughts of our father and uncle fret- 
ting their lives out over impending disasters, that 
I confess I had no room left for anything else. 
The necessity of our success is great, therefore we 
must succeed. If we should fail, I, for one, will 
never go hack to face them.” 

“ And leave them to hear the burden of poverty 
alone?” exclaimed Jean, thoroughly out of pa- 
tience with his brother’s pettishness. For shame, 
Pierre, you would do nothing of the kind. We 
would return to share their evil days with them.” 

“ Of course both of you would,” spoke up Fran- 
cois, to relieve Pierre of his embarrassment, “ only 
I do not believe there will be any necessity of our 
entering Quebec except in triumph. We are three 
against two; we shall succeed. I will do the best 
I can, that much is certain. You remember the 
terms of our brotherhood : that the danger or neces- 
sity of one of us becomes the same for all and 
calls for our united best endeavor.” 

Silence followed this serious and spirited con- 
versation, the two brothers musing upon what they 
had just learned, Frangois wrestling with problems 
that he knew they must face in the near future. 
The moon climbed steadily in its appointed path, 
169 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


the stars marched, a brilliant phalanx, in their 
slow procession, thus marking for observant eyes 
the passage of time. Still the three human fig- 
ures remained motionless, unconscious of their 
surroundings. 

At length Frangois looked up and noting the 
changed position of the constellations announced 
to his comrades that the hour of midnight was near. 
They all arose eagerly and approached the tree. 
Sure enough there lay a long black shadow cast 
by the right-hand limb pointing plainly the direc- 
tion for them to take. Proceeding along this line, 
they came to the point of its intersection with the 
first one laid out. This was marked. Desirous of 
not losing any precious time, the lads determined 
to take advantage of the brilliant moonlight in- 
stead of waiting for morning. Not having any 
tools with which to dig, they proceeded to fashion 
some. This was accomplished by cutting several 
sharp-pointed stakes with their hatchet. Two of 
them proceeded to attack the ground with these 
rude implements, which resulted in loosening or 
harrowing the surface of the soil over an area some 
twelve feet square. The third followed after with 
a rude paddle he had made, which he used to shovel 
170 


THE RECORD GIVES UP ITS SECRET 

the loose earth to one side. An honr was thus 
spent and they had gone down about a foot when 
they struck against a hard substance which, when 
cleared off, proved to he a row of saplings laid 
close together and covering a space about three 
feet square. These were finally pried up and 
thrown out revealing a hole large enough to admit 
the body of a full grown man. 

The three looked at one another in amazement. 
This was not what they had expected to find. Fran- 
cois, bidding the others rest, hastened to the river, 
where, from a favorable point, he looked to see 
if there was any sign of the returning enemy. The 
moonlight shone so brightly upon the water that 
a dark object the size of a canoe would have been 
visible a league away. Nothing of a suspicious 
nature coming within his range of vision, he re- 
turned to his friends and reported that all was well. 
He then blew upon the remaining coals of their 
dying fire, until he lighted a pine stick, whereupon 
he approached the hole and thrusting the blazing 
torch down as far as possible peered in. The hole 
was about six feet deep, hut empty. The two 
brothers, who were gazing anxiously over his shoul- 
der, uttered low exclamations of disappointment. 
171 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


FranQois let the torch drop. It burned brightly 
where it fell and revealed the fact that a subter- 
ranean passage of some sort led otf from the pit- 
like cavity they had unearthed and which served 
really as a sort of vestibule. 

“ A cave ! ” exclaimed all three at this revela- 
tion. 

The pine stick burned so brightly that they 
were not afraid of the presence of any noxious 
gases, and began immediately their preparations to 
descend into the mysterious cavern. Before doing 
so they collected their belongings, food, ammuni- 
tion, etc., which they had brought with them, be- 
sides cutting a plentiful supply of pine knots for 
torches. All signs of their presence were obliter- 
ated where this was possible, the remnant of their 
tire was extinguished and the ashes scattered. 
Dead leaves were carefully distributed over the 
area where the digging had been done. The sapling 
stakes were laid alongside the hole so that the last 
one entering could replace them. 

We can’t keep these devils from tracking us,” 
muttered Frangois, as these preparations were com- 
pleted, but we will make it as hard for them 
as possible.” 


172 


THE RECORD GIVES UP ITS SECRET 

So saying lie motioned to Pierre who, torch in 
hand, dropped into the opening. He was followed 
by Jean, and Francois, with one lingering look 
about in all directions, joined them after adjusting 
as best he could the saplings over the mysterious 
entrance. 


173 


CHAPTER XII 


A SUBTERBANEAN CHAPTER IN WHICH AN 
ENEMY IS VANQUISHED 

T he entrance being thus closed, Frangois took 
the lead, torch in hand, and the three boys 
started upon their underground exploring 
expedition. They advanced along a narrow pas- 
sage whose roof receded gradually from their sight 
for some score of paces, when it suddenly expanded 
into a large chamber whose floor was strewn with 
bits of stone, while the top was lost in impenetrable 
shade. The waUs were white and glistened with 
moisture as the torch’s glow disseminated the 
gloom that enveloped everything. A short distance 
farther on and they came upon what looked like an 
immense icicle of stone depending from the roof. 
At the lower end was a drop of water which, as 
they watched, fell upon a corresponding mass of 
stone which was built up from the floor. The water 
was so highly charged with lime that when it evap- 
orated it left a tiny deposit of that substance be- 
174 


A SUBTERRANEAN CHAPTER 

hind, thus explaining the gradual growth of the 
stony icicles which some day were destined to meet, 
coalesce, and form one of the many limestone col- 
umns visible on all sides. After noting this curious 
phenomenon and each had made a guess as to the 
number of years that must elapse before the two 
parts would unite, the party pushed resolutely on. 
As they advanced, the number of these formations, 
known to present-day science as stalactites and 
stalagmites, increased. Suddenly a tiny rivulet of 
water was discovered coming from nowhere in par- 
ticular and disappearing in the darkness ahead of 
them. Pierre knelt down and drank heartily. He 
pronounced the water very cold and refreshing, 
whereupon the other two followed his example. 

The way soon began to grow more weari- 
some owing to the fact that many stones, some of 
them bowlders of huge size, intercepted the path. 
These were sometimes so close together that the 
boys could scarcely squeeze through the interven- 
ing spaces. Occasionally the way was practically 
blocked. Then it was that the masses of rock were 
scaled, the lads helping one another to scramble 
up and down their slippery surfaces. Once as they 
proceeded, they halted suddenly on a signal from 
175 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

Francois, who listened intently. It was a false 
alarm, however, no sound being audible other than 
the solemn drip-drip of some unseen water, and 
a peculiar squeaking and fluttering in the regions 
above, which proved to he alive with bats. The 
light disturbed them and they flew about blind and 
uncertain. At one point Jean raised a howl of 
terror and clapped his hands to his head. His 
comrades, alarmed at his cry, came instantly to 
his relief. The torch revealed the cause of his 
sudden fright — a bat in his benighted flight had 
struck him on the head and, finding his hair a soft 
resting place, clung there tenaciously, despite all 
efforts to remove him. A solution of the difficulty 
was at last arrived at and Jean was released from 
such intimate association with the little creature 
only by cutting the locks of hair to which it clung. 

A short distance beyond the place where this 
adventure occurred the road branched. Here Fran- 
cois halted and announced that it was time for food 
and rest, besides, the forking of their path neces- 
sitated another consultation of the map. Accord- 
ingly their loads were laid to one side, another 
torch lighted and a hearty meal eaten which was 
washed down by frequent draughts from the runnel 
176 


A SUBTERRANEAN CHAPTER 

of water that still followed their course. A sense 
of fatigue, which they had not felt before owing 
to the excitement of the past twenty-four hours, 
seized them, and postponing everything else they 
arranged a fire and then curled up on the un- 
even surface of the ground and were soon 
asleep. 

When FranQois awoke, he started up in alarm 
at the unaccustomed darkness that hemmed them in 
on all sides. After an instant’s thought he remem- 
bered where they were. The fire he found reduced 
to a few glowing embers. After some difficulty a 
cheerful blaze was coaxed into existence. Turning 
to the still slumbering brothers, he shook them vig- 
orously : 

Come ! ” he cried. We must be up and 
doing. When we once reach Quebec, we can sleep 
for a week if we like, but with enemies on our 
trail we cannot afford to lose time now.” 

The boys thus urged shook off the grasp of 
slumber and having stretched and yawned them- 
selves wide awake, joined him in studying the 
mysterious chart by the light of the fire. 

“We had nearly ended deciphering the inscrip- 
tion when we started digging. Let us see if we 
177 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


cannot finish it now,” began Frangois as be care- 
fully unfolded the precious piece of paper. 

It is easy to understand that ‘ on the full ’ 
really meant the full moon as we guessed; that 
‘ twelve ’ stood for midnight, and ‘ right end ’ the 
direction pointed out by the shadow from the end 
of the right-hand branch,” commented Pierre as 
he gazed at the diagram before them. But what 
does ‘ down ’ mean? ” 

“ Down the hole we found, into the cave,” sug- 
gested Jean. 

“ Good,” grunted Pierre. You had better go 
to the head of the class ; but before you do so sup- 
pose you explain what ^ two right, one left ’ stands 
for.” 

Jean was silent, industriously thinking. Fran- 
Qois’s gaze wandered toward the top of the map. 

“This square made up of right-angled lines 
crossing each other,” he muttered, as though to 
himself, “that is at the right of the lone tree, I 
suppose represents the saplings covering the hole 
by which we entered.” 

Jean, whose bright eyes had been going over 
the whole plan, caught these words. A thought 
fiashed through his mind. 

178 


A SUBTERRANEAN CHAPTER 


“ Down here in the left-hand lower comer is 
another square made up of crossed lines,” he 
pointed out eagerly. Why shouldnT that mean 
the same hole and the snaky lines running up from 
it he the route to he followed underground? ” 

Pierre hurst into a boisterous laugh that sent 
the echoes flying through the cavern. 

“ Down you go to the foot, youngster,” he cried 
scornfully. "Why don’t you point out next some 
mark that is intended to represent the bowlder I 
am leaning against? ” 

Frangois smiled quietly as he looked at Pierre. 

“Nevertheless your brother is right,” he said. 
“He has done what neither of us could do, he 
has solved the rest of the problem.” 

“ Pooh ! I don’t believe it,” was the elder broth- 
er’s incredulous reply. 

“ See,” continued Frangois, “ his idea explains 
the last four words of the inscription ‘ two right, 
one left.’ They refer to the windings and turns 
of the cave. If we follow this rude diagram, we 
see that the route branches twice. The first turn 
to the right we must disregard, the second we must 
follow, and then take the first to the left and we 
shall arrive at our destination — the hiding place 
179 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


of the furs marked by this heavy eross. It is all 
as plain as daylight to one after hearing Jean’s 
suggestion.” 

Pierre shook his head doubtfully, hut prepared 
to follow the others in testing the truth of their 
guess. They went by the first passage leading to 
the right and kept straight ahead. At the next 
forking of their road, they followed the right. 
In a little while a small opening led oft to the left 
and brought them inside of five minutes to a large 
chamber. Eaising their torches aloft, they looked 
eagerly about them. Close at hand they beheld 
a large pile of pine knots and branches such as 
they had been burning. This was lucky as their 
supply was beginning to run rather low, although 
still sufficient to light them back to the en- 
trance. 

Advancing to the farther end of the huge im- 
derground room, they beheld a sight that brought 
an instantaneous cheer from the lips of all three. 
There packed and tied carefully in bundles, safe 
and dry, lay the coveted skins. Each bundle con- 
tained about twenty-five, making it a convenient 
and light load for transportation. The boys hur- 
riedly examined the condition of the furs and 
180 


A SUBTERRANEAN CHAPTER 


found them perfect. They next counted the bun- 
dles and assured themselves that the five hundred 
skins were all there, then, as if by a common 
signal, dropped their guns and supplies and toss- 
ing the torches into a pile, joined hands and danced 
gleefully about the flames. 

After a few moments spent in this display of 
exuberant spirits, they calmed down and discussed 
their next step. 

‘‘We must not he too joyful,” warned Frangois, 
“ for we are not out of the woods yet by any means. 
We have found the prize, it is true, hut we are 
trapped like rats in this cave, with its narrow en- 
trance, while outside bloodthirsty enemies are wait- 
ing by this time, if they have not already followed 
us underground.” 

This reference to Winnatoka and “ The Rat ” 
brought shades of anxiety to the brows of the two 
brothers, for they both realized the truth of the 
words uttered. They waited for Francois to sug- 
gest the best course for them to take. 

“ We have located the furs,” he went on, “ and 
can easily come back for them. There are enough 
of them to make it necessary for us to take a half 
dozen trips apiece in transporting them. It would 
181 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

be a foolish waste of time then to disturb them 
until we have found out whether the coast is clear, 
and if not, just where the enemy may be and how 
disposed, whether openly following us or ambush- 
ing our path. I would propose, therefore, that we 
leave everything here except our guns and a few 
pine knots which can be easily carried. We can 
proceed cautiously toward the mouth of the cave 
and find out just how the land lies. We shall then 
be governed as to future action by what we learn 
concerning the enemy.” 

This proposal was immediately adopted and the 
three started to retrace their steps. The way being 
familiar, they made rapid progress. Finally they 
reached that point where the barricade of bowlders 
across their path was the most complete. They had 
just climbed over this obstruction when Francois’s 
quick ear caught the sound of falling water on 
their right. Moved by curiosity they turned and 
proceeded a few paces toward this sound. It was 
well that they took the precaution of holding a 
torch so as to light their path, for they suddenly 
started back as a huge opening yawned at their 
feet. The hole was a veritable chasm some twenty 
feet in diameter, the farther edge reaching to the 
182 


A SUBTERRANEAN CHAPTER 

side wall of the cave. The hoys promptly lay 
down and creeping forward peered into the depths 
helow them, black as night, whose gloom was hut 
made deeper hy the feeble light of their torches. 
A stream of water was seen pouring its small vol- 
ume into the depths helow that seemed incalculable. 
Frangois let fall his lighted pine knot in order to 
determine, if possible, how far down the opening 
extended. It fell flaring, knocking against the sides 
of the great pit, gradually growing fainter and 
fainter until it finally disappeared. 

The boys arose and stood still, staring in won- 
der at what they had seen. They finally turned 
in silence and started to continue their journey 
up a rather steeply inclined ascent. They had not 
taken a half dozen steps when they heard the sound 
of a great crashing and grinding coming from the 
darkness in front of them. In a flash Frangois 
had seized Jean by the arm and with a warning 
shout Quick ! follow me ! ” partly led, partly 
dragged the younger boy to one side, Pierre fol- 
lowing closely. Scarcely had he done so when a 
great bowlder, round, and weighing fully a ton, 
rushed by them, crossed the place where they had 
been standing and disappeared down the chasm. 
13 183 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


As it was, their escape was narrow, for the wind 
made hy the mass of stone in its headlong course 
fanned their cheeks and caused the flame of their 
torches to waver unsteadily. 

Francois grasped the situation instantly. 

“ Eedskins ! ” he exclaimed. Get behind the 
row of bowlders we have just climbed. Throw 
your torches over them ahead of you. I will stay 
and cover your retreat. Be quick about it for 
there is no telling what will come next.” 

The two brothers did not hesitate, hut taking all 
their torches they ran hack, tossed the lighted sticks 
beyond the harrier and scrambled quickly over 
themselves. A few seconds later Francois joined 
them. He was not an instant too soon, for from 
the darkness ahead of them came a dozen flashes, 
bullets whistled above their heads and the rever- 
berations of the discharges filled the cave with a 
deafening roar. The hoys lay panting on the 
ground, protected hy the bowlders and looked anx- 
iously out through the crevices between them, but 
could see nothing. 

Frangois gave an exclamation of alarm. 

‘‘ How foolish,” he said, in disgust at his own 
thoughtlessness, ‘‘to keep the lights here! The 
184 


A SUBTERRANEAN CHAPTER 

enemy can easily creep up without our seeing 
them.” 

He quickly seized the blazing pine knots and 
laid them on top of the largest mass of stone, 
thereby causing their light to fall upon the floor 
of the cave for some distance in front of their 
barricade. 

That is better,” he muttered, hut it is not 
bright enough.” 

He then added to the pile all the remaining in- 
flammable material they had with them. This soon 
blazed up, sending the shadows in retreat for some 
distance. As this occurred, several dark figures 
lurking behind rocks and stone pillars were seen 
to slink back into the darkness. 

All was silent and the boys had an opportunity 
to take breath and discuss the situation. 

“ Phew ! What a close shave ! ” exclaimed 
Pierre. “ If you had not acted so quickly, Pran- 
Qois, that big rock would have struck us standing 
near the edge of the hole and carried whatever was 
left of us down into the bowels of the earth.” 

“Did you notice the number of flashes when 
they fired on us ? ” inquired J ean anxiously. “ I 
am sure there must have been twelve.” 

185 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


Yes,” replied Francois grimly. The cave in 
front of us seems alive with Indians. We haven’t 
Winnatoka and ‘ The Eat ’ to deal with alone. 
Those devils must have come across a roving hand 
of redskins and induced them to join with them in 
their hunt for the furs and our scalps. Things look 
pretty had now, I must confess. We shall he lucky 
if we can save our own skins without considering 
the furs. However,” he added in an encouraging 
tone, “ it will never do to despair, notwithstanding 
the odds against us.” 

One Frenchman ought to be the match of a 
whole dozen savages in holding this position,” said 
Pierre stoutly. 

What good will it do to hold it, that’s 
the question,” was Francois’s discouraging reply. 
“All the enemy have to do, if they dare not at- 
tack us, is to sit on their haunches and wait long 
enough to starve us out. They are between us and 
liberty.” 

“ Never mind,” put in Jean bravely, although 
his voice trembled as he spoke. “ Le hon Dieu has 
helped us before, why may He not do so again? 
Let us hope He will. If not, then we can at least 
die game as befits true soldiers of France.” 

186 


A SUBTERRANEAN CHAPTER 

These spirited words sent a thrill of hope 
through the other two. With a sudden motion, 
three hands were outstretched in the darkness and 
met three others that clasped them tight in a grasp 
denoting a firm purpose and a common feeling of 
affection and fellowship. 

Frangois was the first to speak: 

“ Forgive me, mes amis,^^ he said, “ for my 
hopeless tone. The grave danger, seemingly in- 
surmountable for the moment, that threatens us 
caused my courage towaver ; but you, Jean, you are 
braver than I, it seems ; you have shamed me into 
hope once more. And now, good-by to thoughts 
of gloom and despair : the time for action has ar- 
rived. Our fire will soon need replenishing. Do 
you, Jean, take a torch and go back to the place 
where we found the skins, and bring the supplies 
and ammunition we left there, together with a lot 
of the firewood and pine knots we saw heaped up. 
You will have to make several trips, so hasten. 
Pierre and I will remain on guard.^’ 

With these words he reached up, and seizing 
one of the firebrands on the top of the bowlder, 
handed it to Jean and gave him a friendly slap on 
the back to hurry him on his errand. The latter 
187 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

needed notlimg to accelerate liis movements, how- 
ever. He started off, torch in hand, at a jog trot, 
slowing his pace when the nature of the floor of 
the cave was rough, and speeding on again when 
it became smooth. Keeping in mind well the turns 
he had to make, there was no time lost on the way. 
In a few minutes he reached his destination. A 
glance around showed him that everything was 
exactly as they had left it. Seizing an armful of 
food and powder, he filled the other with wood, 
and staggering under his load and holding his 
torch with difficulty, he returned to the bar- 
ricade. 

Francois quickly replenished the fire and in a 
moment its flames were rising higher than ever. 
Nothing had transpired during Jean’s absence. An 
ominous silence pervaded the gloom inhabited by 
the enemy. Francois shook his head dubiously. 

“ I wish they would show themselves more,” he 
muttered. “When a lot of redskins on the war- 
path are quiet like yonder rascals, there is trouble 
brewing. Maybe they have decided to starve us 
out and are watching the entrance hole from the 
outside like a pack of hounds who have run a rab- 
bit to earth; or perhaps they will tire of doing 
188 


A SUBTERRANEAN CHAPTER 


nothing and are getting ready to make a rush 
against our position.” 

Finding that a portion of Jean’s burden con- 
sisted of provisions, he urged him to eat heartily 
before making another trip as there was no telling 
when the opportunity to do so would occur again. 
All three accordingly partook of the food, and re- 
freshed their throats with long draughts from the 
tiny stream of water close at hand. The result 
was that they returned to their watch with 
strengthened physical powers and increased cour- 
age. Jean made a second trip, uneventful as the 
first, and brought a similar load, then set out 
again for more. 

This time his return was delayed. At first the 
other two thought nothing of the matter, but sud- 
denly it flashed upon the minds of both that he 
had been absent twice as long as he had been be- 
fore. They cast many glances in the direction he 
had taken to see if they could not catch sight of 
the distant flaring of his returning torch, but in 
vain. Fears of his possible injury, of his having 
taken the wrong turn and being now lost amid 
the mazes of the unexplored portion of the cave 
assailed them. They debated between them the 
189 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

advisability of Pierre’s going in search of his 
brother when Frangois, whose watchful eye, even 
while he was conversing, kept a sharp watch in 
the direction of the enemy, gave a warning sound 
as he looked intently at a certain spot. Suddenly 
he seized a torch and motioning Pierre to follow 
him, crept swiftly along toward the right end of 
the barricade. 

As has been intimated, this end of the defense 
was close to the chasm down which the three boys 
had looked with a shudder at its awful depth. In 
fact it went to its very edge, forming a protecting 
wall on one side. As the two lads approached this 
end, they were able to see into this bottomless pit. 
FranQois raised his torch aloft and allowed its 
beams to fall as far as possible. The first sight 
that met their eyes was the figure of a savage, un- 
armed save for a knife he held between his teeth, 
creeping along a narrow ledge of rock that ran 
along the cave wall, bounding one side of the great 
opening. His evident intention was to reach the 
farther end of the barricade in safety, climb over 
it in the darkness, and then gliding along in the 
shadows get to the rear of the besieged, so that 
when a rush was made on them from the front 
190 


A SUBTERRANEAN CHAPTER 

he could attack them while they were reloading. 
He had passed over the greater part of his per- 
ilous path when Francois’s eye had detected a 
shadow of unusuah shape on the wall and had im- 
mediately suspected some treacherous move on 
the part of the enemy. 

By the time they had reached the position where 
they now stood, the redskin had crept still far- 
ther on his way. He saw them approach and 
quickened his efforts. As the light fell upon him, 
he stood ready to spring to safety, a distance of 
some six feet only intervening between himself and 
his goal. The boys both gave a cry as they beheld 
his fierce features lighted up by a look of diabolical 
cunning, for it was none other than their ancient 
foe Winnatoka who was so near. Even as they 
gazed, the savage leaped. He landed safely, but 
in recovering his balance, one foot slipped on the 
wet rock, his body swayed, unmanageable, an in- 
stant in the air, then toppled over, and with a 
cry of baffled rage, hate, and despair he fell down, 
down, down into the immeasurable depths below, 
his last scream ringing terribly in the ears of the 
two boys, who stood only a few feet away trans- 
fixed with the horror of the sight. 

191 


CHAPTEE XIII 


WHEEEIN ANOTHER TRICK IS PLAYED AND THE 
BIRDS ESCAPE 

W HEN Jean left his friends on the third 
trip he made the same haste as he 
had done previously and arrived at the 
storage place of the furs without mishap of any 
kind. As he emerged from the side passage lead- 
ing from this chamber into the main cavern, he 
stopped a moment to give an inquisitive glance 
toward the unexplored portion of the cave. Curi- 
osity to know whither it led caused him to take a 
step in that direction, hut the thought of his com- 
rades waiting for him and perhaps needing his help 
in the defense of the barricade made him pause. 
As he did so, some strange thing fluttered out of 
the darkness, struck full against his torch, and fell 
at his feet. He supposed, of course, that it was but 
a bat, but when he moved the light in its direc- 
tion, he perceived that it was a blue jay that had 
been attracted in its flight by the glare, and strik- 
192 


THE BIRDS ESCAPE 

ing its head against the blazing stick had been 
badly stunned. The full import of this incident 
flashed instantly across his mind. What was a 
blue jay doing in the cave? he asked himself. Bats 
he knew inhabited underground caverns, loving the 
darkness, but blue jays, never. The only solution 
to this mystery lay in the supposition that the bird 
had accidentally entered the cave from without. 
But where? Not at the entrance which they had 
made, watched as it was by Indians ; besides, the 
bird had come from the opposite direction. There 
must he another opening. 

His heart gave a great leap at this thought, so 
hastily dropping his load where he stood, he picked 
up the half-conscious bird and advanced eagerly 
in the direction whence it had come. The way 
was easy, without branches, and the floor smooth 
and unencumbered by any obstacle. As he ad- 
vanced, with every sense alert, the air seemed to 
become a little fresher. This gave him courage 
to press on. Finally, after some ten minutes’ walk, 
a sudden turn came in his path. As he rounded 
this, he gave a suppressed shout, for far ahead 
his anxious gaze caught a glimmer of sunlight. 
This rapidly increased until at length he came to 
193 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

an opening half closed with vines and shrubs. 
Pushing these aside impatiently he looked out into 
the open day. At first his eyes, accustomed for 
so many hours to the murky light of a torch and 
the darkness of the cave, were dazzled by the sun- 
shine; hut they soon adapted themselves to the 
new conditions and he beheld the tributary stream 
sparkling at his feet, a gentle descent leading to 
its edge from the point where he was standing. 
The bird, now very much alive, struggled violently 
for its freedom. Jean stroked it soothingly for 
a moment. 

Many thanks for your guidance, little bird,” 
he said gently and with much feeling. “ You 
have earned your liberty. Go now to your nest,” 
and he released his hold. 

The blue jay quickly accepted this opportunity 
of escape and soared exultingly away to a distant 
tree, where it alighted and scolded Jean at the top 
of its harsh voice for having handled it roughly, 
using all the bad words to be found in a blue jay’s 
vocabulary. Jean remained standing, breathing in 
deep draughts of the cool fresh air, unmindful of 
the bird’s ungrateful action. Joy was in his heart 
and throbbed through every fiber. This discovery 
194 


THE BIRDS ESCAPE 


meant life and liberty to them all, and home, 
and father, and a successful ending to their, ad- 
ventures. 

Suddenly he remembered that he was wasting 
precious time. After replacing the vines so as 
to conceal the opening as much as possible, he re- 
traced his steps rapidly, his mind filled with 
pleasurable emotion at the new turn taken by their 
fortunes. Stopping a moment at the spot where 
he had deposited his load, he mechanically resumed 
it and hastened on his way. He was greeted by 
his companions with congratulations on his safe re- 
turn and inquiries regarding his prolonged absence. 
For reply he hugged his brother and then Fran- 
cois as the only adequate means of relieving his 
feelings, and then gave a hurried detailed account 
of his trip. 

When he came to that point in his narrative 
where he stood gazing upon the outside world once 
more, Pierre threw himself down upon the ground 
and rolled and fairly squirmed with delight at 
the good news. Even Frangois chuckled and gave 
Jean a congratulatory slap on the back that made 
him wince. 

You have solved the problem by a lucky 
195 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


chance, mon he said, “ it is necessary now 

for ns to take advantage of your discovery.” 

There has been nothing seen of the enemy 
since Winnatoka’s horrible plunge,” exclaimed 
Pierre. “ Why can’t we leave the fire burn- 
ing and slip away out of this dark place at 
once? ” 

‘‘We should probably be able to get a good 
start of them before they realized we were gone,” 
added Jean. 

“ No,” replied Prangois firmly, “ it would be 
folly for us to attempt to leave in daylight unless 
driven to do so by necessity. We do not know 
how many of the enemy may be prowling all about 
the woods. We must leave at night. A redskin 
can only hear in the dark, he cannot see; by day 
he can do both. How stood the sun when you 
looked out? ” 

“ About mid-aftemoon,” replied Jean. 

A lengthy silence ensued, each one keeping a 
sharp watch ahead for the enemy, yet busy re- 
volving various plans in his mind for their de- 
parture. Finally Frangois spoke up. 

“ I have it all arranged.” 

“We are to leave at once,” guessed Pierre. 

196 


THE BHIDS ESCAPE 


We are to wait until dusk and then make a 
dash for liberty,” chimed in Jean. 

“ Wrong, both of you. Has the prospect of es- 
cape caused you both to forget the skins ? Are we 
to walk off and leave the object of our errand here 
in the hands of those rascally Indians? Never! 
We will trick them by suddenly disappearing, it 
is true, but we will also carry away the prize with 
us. The enemy has been quiet so long I am at 
length convinced that they have determined on 
starvation as the best means of victory over us. 
At any rate we will go ahead on that supposition. 
There is therefore little chance of an immediate 
attack. I shall take Jean with me and go myself 
to reconnoiter, leaving you, Pierre, to watch and 
keep the fire bright. Should you see signs of an 
assault, retreat rapidly and join us.” 

When Frangois and the younger lad reached 
the entrance, the former uttered an exclamation of 
delight. 

“ Everything is favorable to our scheme. See 
how the sun is disappearing behind that bank of 
clouds coming up from the west? That means no 
full moon to betray us. If it rains, as I think it 
will, we shall have any sound that we may make 
197 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


while escaping drowned by the noise of the ele- 
ments. Onr first work, however, will he to drop 
the bundles of furs down this descent. We can do 
that quickly now, although we must work care- 
fully,” here he glanced upward, for you see the 
roof over the entrance is badly cracked and loos- 
ened and looks as though it might drop any mo- 
ment and cut otf our escape. A report of a gun 
fired from this spot would bring the whole mass 
down.” 

The two boys hurried back to the storage cham- 
ber and seizing a bundle of skins between them, 
soon had it at the opening and, dropping it down, 
watched it roll some distance toward the river. 
A second was sent after the first, until all the furs 
had been removed and lay outside the cave. While 
taking out the last layer of the pile a small keg of 
powder was discovered carefully hidden among 
the bundles. It had been kept perfectly dry and 
was ready for instant use. Frangois chuckled and 
laughed silently for full two minutes when he saw 
this new supply of ammunition, his sides shaking 
with inner merriment. He vouchsafed no explana- 
tion of his good humor to his companion, but car- 
ried his burden to the entrance and deposited it 
198 


THE BIRDS ESCAPE 


carefully there. They then returned to Pierre 
who, although a little nervous over their long ab- 
sence, had nothing to report. When Francois 
had told what they had done, he proceeded to un- 
fold his plan. 

If the savages will hold off until midnight, 
I care not how fierce an attack they may make on 
us then,’’ he began. “ My idea is for Pierre and 
myself to remain here while Jean sallies forth to 
cover himself with glory. He will have to slip 
out of the cave the moment it is dark, and, cross- 
ing the river, go through the woods to the Ottawa 
and find the spot where our canoes are hidden. 
Having done so, he must paddle down the Ottawa, 
towing the empty one behind, and come up this 
tributary stream to a point opposite the cave open- 
ing. We shall then join him and all three will 
carry the skins to the river, load them into the 
waiting canoes, then make off once more, and 
good-hy to ‘ The Rat ’ and all his devilish crew. 
If it storms, Jean can accomplish this journey 
without danger of being either seen or heard. He 
can he spared better than either of us, Pierre, for 
should an attack be made, your help would be more 
valuable to me than his in keeping the enemy at 
14 199 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


bay for a time. Besides, if any accident happened 
here in the cave, he would be outside and free 
with a fair chance of escaping home.” 

Jean and Pierre gave their hearty assent to 
this programme, the former feeling very proud 
that he should have been chosen for this impor- 
tant errand rather than Pierre. He accordingly 
awaited with eagerness the passage of time, in his 
excitement scarcely eating the food which Frangois 
insisted on forcing on him. At length the older 
boy gave the signal for his departure, together with 
a few cautions and suggestions regarding the route 
he was to take. Armed with only a keen hunting 
knife and unencumbered by any powder horn, 
gun, or bullet pouch, he started on his hazard- 
ous task after embracing both of his friends 
heartily. 

Upon reaching the entrance he found that night 
was just setting in. Overhead not a star was 
visible. After taking his bearings, he started down 
the steep incline and by dint of slipping, sliding, 
and falling he managed to reach level ground in 
safety, although not without making considerable 
noise in his descent. A raindrop striking against 
his cheek gave him encouragement. By the time 
200 


THE BIRDS ESCAPE 


he reached the river edge it was storming briskly. 
The sound of the accompanying wind through the 
trees was also in his favor, as he was thus able 
to move about with greater freedom without tak- 
ing the precautions he would ordinarily have felt 
to be necessary. i 

As he prepared to ford the river, a sudden idea 
flashed through his mind. Why should he not 
steal near the Indian camp and learn what he 
could about their numbers before setting out upon 
his real errand? Obedient to this impulse he 
turned downstream and strode along beneath the 
somber trees at a rapid rate. The breath of spring 
was in the air. The warm raindrops splashed 
briskly against the imprisoned buds and tiny leaves 
bidding them awaken from their long winter sleep, 
then dripped slowly down to nourish the moss and 
roots and start the sluggish sap into more rapid 
circulation. The branches groaned and yawned 
and stretched themselves as though they, too, had 
been caught napping. The voice of spring touched 
the spirit of the lad as he glided along, arousing 
a feeling of exultant joy at being alive and free 
once more, filling his soul with courage for the 
accomplishment of great deeds and a hope of 
201 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

ultimate victory over all difficulties, dangers, and 
enemies. 

Wlien lie had nearly traversed the distance he 
supposed lay between him and their original land- 
ing place, he slowed his gait and proceeded with 
greater caution. At length he entered the water 
and noiselessly waded along close to shore. Pres- 
ently in the darkness he came upon five canoes, 
their sterns in the water and their hows resting 
lightly upon the land. These craft were of good 
size and easily capable of holding five persons. 
He judged by this that the number of the enemy 
besieging them was over a score. Satisfied as to 
this point, he stepped ashore, and stooping down 
crept through the double line of trees until he 
could get a view of the open space about the en- 
trance to the cave. He beheld a small fire built 
on the leeside of the blasted pine and made out 
the forlorn figure of an Indian huddled up in 
his blanket sitting with his back against the tree. 
As he looked, this human form arose and ap- 
proaching the fire replenished it and resumed his 
seat. A brighter glow suffused itself by this ac- 
tion. Jean eagerly scanned the neighborhood, hut 
could not discover the presence of any more of 
202 


THE BIRDS ESCAPE 


the savages. He then realized that, with the ex- 
ception of this lone sentinel, the rest were probably 
safe and dry inside the cave. 

Despairing of gaining any more information, 
he retraced his steps. The sight of the row of 
canoes left unguarded put a brilliant idea into his 
head. Why need he make the laborious journey 
he had set out upon to get their own canoes when 
here were plenty to he had for the taking? He 
could thus save several hours of time and if un- 
disturbed in his efforts could materially cripple 
the enemy so that pursuit would he out of the 
question. Accordingly, he unsheathed his knife 
and, wading alongside the first canoe, he cut a 
piece of birch hark from its side as large as a 
man^s head. He then quickly launched it and, 
giving a vigorous shove, sent it out toward the 
middle of the river, where, seized by the current, 
it drifted away in the darkness gradually sinking 
as it went. Three more canoes were treated in 
this fashion and only one was left. Putting a 
couple of extra paddles inside he pushed otf and 
left the landing place shorn of all signs of human 
occupation. 

A little vigorous arm exercise, which served to 
203 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


warm him up, brought him to a place opposite 
the newly discovered cave entrance. Here he 
landed and after securing his recently acquired 
craft he clambered up the ascent into the cavern. 
Not having any light, he was obliged to proceed 
through the inky black darkness with caution. He 
had become by this time tolerably familiar with 
his route and made no mistakes. Suddenly, far 
away ahead of him, he heard the sound of human 
voices and soon a gleam from the fire on the bar- 
ricade reached his eyes. As he advanced at a 
quickened pace, he recognized the yells of the red- 
skins and realized that they were making an attack. 

The two older hoys were so busily engaged in 
the defense that they knew nothing of Jean’s ap- 
proach until he glided through the firelight and 
took his place at their side. Not a word was said 
by anyone, all their energies being directed toward 
what was taking place in front of the barricade. 
On peeking through an orifice, Jean saw a num- 
ber of shadowy forms flitting here and there just 
beyond the circle of light. A tremendous amount 
of yelling accompanied their movements, while 
every few seconds the spiteful flash of a firearm 
rent the gloom, which was followed by a whistling 
204 


THE BIRDS ESCAPE 


sound above their heads as a bullet sped on its 
harmless way. Once a savage darted out into the 
light and raised his gun to fire, but a shot sent 
by Frangois’s steady aim stretched him out mo- 
tionless upon the floor. A yell of defiance and 
rage, fiercer even than usual, reverberated through 
the cave, the body of the slain warrior was dragged 
back into the darkness, and all was still. Then for 
the first time did Jean’s friends speak. 

What was the matter that you returned so 
soon 1 ” asked Frangois anxiously. 

“It wasn’t that you were afraid?” demanded 
Pierre. 

Jean laughed quietly, then related what he had 
learned and done. A fit of silent laughter on the 
part of Frangois, and a stare of surprise from 
Pierre were the only comments Jean received at 
first on his narrative. A moment later Frangois 
was once more sober. 

“ So then everything is ready for us to leave? ” 

Jean nodded. 

“ Then let us get away from these red devils 
as fast as we can,” exclaimed Pierre fervently. 
“I, for one, am tired of their company.” 

“You are right,” was Frangois’s firm reply. 

205 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

They have evidently given np the idea of starv- 
ing us out. They are growing impatient, their 
fingers itch to seize our scalps. They mean busi- 
ness now. In my opinion they are preparing for 
a final attack. They will come with a rush, count- 
ing on their superior numbers for success.” 

Already were the threatening yells beginning 
again while the boys talked. 

“ Load up as best you can,” commanded Fran- 
cois with military brevity. Take all the food and 
ammunition you can carry. I will brighten the 
fire a little, and we will be off.” 

So saying, he tossed on an armful of fuel, seized 
his share of the stuff, and grasping a firebrand 
which he held down close to the ground, started 
rapidly off on a jog trot, followed by the two 
brothers. By this time the chorus of yells had 
reached a horrible volume of sound, reenforced as 
it was by the echoing walls of the cave. 

There they come,” muttered Frangois, as the 
three hurried along. They are welcome to our 
nest now that the birds have flown.” 

Francois’s surmise was correct. The redskins, 
after creeping along the edges of the shadows as 
far as they dared, had, at a given signal, rushed 
206 


THE BIRDS ESCAPE 


with a whirlwind of sound upon the barricade, 
swarmed up its front and dropped over onto the 
other side. Surprised at not receiving any fire 
from the boys’ guns, and doubly so at finding the 
place apparently deserted, they hesitated a moment 
fearing an ambuscade from behind some of the 
stony pillars. Nothing happening, they seized each 
a burning stick and searched the place thoroughly 
until they were convinced that their prey, which 
they had supposed securely trapped, was gone. 

By this time the retreating lads had passed 
around a turn in their path so that the light from 
their torches was not visible. The savages held a 
moment’s consultation, then advanced, torches in 
hand, carefully scrutinizing the interior of the cave 
as they went. One of them picked up a large 
freshly charred splinter that had fallen from Fran- 
cois’s torch and showed it to his companions. A 
yell of exultation followed. They knew they were 
on the right trail. 

Meanwhile the boys had hastened along as rap- 
idly as they could, puffing and perspiring under 
their loads. The entrance being gained, they 
stopped a moment for breath. 

That is the hardest work I have done in many 

207 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


a day,” Pierre grumbled. ‘^Pd most as soon be 
scalped as drop dead from over-exertion.” 

Jean stood against the wall, blowing away like 
a horse after the race is run. His eyes twinkled 
at his brother’s words. 

^‘Yes — it’s — ^work,” he managed to puff out, 
but — think — of the — fun ! ” 

Francois, himself pretty thoroughly winded, 
laughed. 

“ You are right, Jean,” he said. “ It is great 
fun. It’s a game of hide and seek. Think how 
they are looking for us now, wondering where we 
have disappeared ! Their eyes will drop out from 
surprise in a few minutes more, or I am much 
mistaken.” 

Without giving any explanation of these words, 
he ordered the other two to descend and place their 
loads in the canoe awaiting them and meet him 
at the spot where the bundles of skins lay. They 
obeyed. A faint cry came to his ears from the 
rear, showing that the enemy were not far behind. 
Seizing the little keg of powder, he made an open- 
ing in it with his knife and laid out a long train 
of the black stuff on the dry floor of the cave. 
He then placed the keg at the farther end of this 
208 


THE BIRDS ESCAPE 


train. Going to the entrance, he paused an instant 
on the edge, then touching his torch to the powder, 
he vanished in the darkness. A flash ran along 
the ground until the keg was reached. An ex- 
plosion occurred accompanied by the sound of fall- 
ing rock. The weakened roof of the entrance fell 
down with a mighty crash, completely filling up 
the mouth of the cave and sealing it as though 
no cavern existed there. 


209 


CHAPTEE XIV 


TELLS OF A FORCED MARCH AND A NIGHT ATTACK 

W HEN FranQois reached the place where 
the bundles of skins lay, he found 
himself staring in the darkness at 
two gun muzzles and was challenged by Pierre’s 
voice : 

Who’s there?” 

For answer he began to laugh softly, whereat 
the guns were promptly withdrawn and the two 
brothers rose up from the ground where they had 
been lying behind some of the skins. 

“ My, how we were frightened by that noise ! ” 
exclaimed Jean in a relieved tone. We thought 
something dreadful had happened and did not know 
whether it was friend or foe that was approaching.” 

Francois gave one more loud chuckle before 
answering. 

The sound you heard was my farewell speech 
to the enemy before I retired. I thought it a 
210 


A FORCED MARCH 


shame to leave that keg of good powder for the 
savages to fool with : they might hurt themselves. 
I also thought it a pity for them to use our private 
entrance to the cave, so I closed it up with the as- 
sistance of the powder, thus accomplishing two 
ends at once. It also gave us more time in which 
to get away.” 

His two friends, realizing what had hap- 
pened, gave themselves up to merriment at the 
plight of the redskins. Finally Frangois inter- 
posed. 

Come, we have something else to do besides 
sitting here in the rain holding our sides. My 
joking mood is not over. You had better save the 
rest of your laughs until a little later. The thing 
to do now is to get these skins aboard and make a 
start on our voyage.” 

Within twenty minutes all was ready. The 
three took their places and pushed off in the dark- 
ness. They proceeded carefully close to shore until 
they came to the place where a few hours earlier 
Jean had set the enemy ^s canoes adrift. Here, in 
obedience to a whispered word from Francois, they 
landed and taking each his gun and paddle they 
passed rapidly to the edge of the open space. They 
211 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


could readily discern the small fire still faithfully 
tended by the lone sentinel. After making sure 
that they had hut one Indian to deal with, they 
skirted the edge of the clearing until they stood 
at a point from which they could approach the 
unsuspecting savage from the rear. 

By this time the rain was descending in tor- 
rents, so that all sounds of their advance were lost 
in the patter of the raindrops. All three had 
reached the tree on the other side of which sat the 
Indian, little dreaming of what was about to hap- 
pen, and his capture seemed certain, when Pierre’s 
gun striking against the trunk gave a note of 
warning. The boys then made a leap together 
around the tree and fell upon the enemy pellmell. 
Francois’s hand had actually touched the blanket 
in which he was wrapped, when with a bound like 
a startled deer he was up and away, abandoning 
his cover to the elder boy’s grasp. In four seconds 
he had crossed the clearing and disappeared in the 
forest, leaving the three hoys standing beside his 
gun and the dying fire, very much chagrined at his 
escape. 

“ Never mind,” said Frangois cheerily, “ his 
capture was not an essential part of my joke. He 
212 


A FORCED MARCH 


is well out of the way and being unarmed cannot 
harm us.” 

After a word of instruction he led the way to 
the entrance of the cave. Here all was still and 
deserted. Quickly the boys laid the sapling lat- 
tice-work over the hole and with their paddles 
heaped upon it the loose earth originally dug up. 
This they stamped down with their feet until the 
place was level with the surrounding ground. They 
worked rapidly and persistently until this task 
was completed. Then Prangois, leaning on his 
paddle, indulged in another quiet laugh. 

“ This will keep them bottled up for at least 
twenty-four hours,” he finally said. “ They have 
nothing to dig their way out with except their small 
hatchets and hunting knives. He who laughs last, 
you know, laughs best. I am only sorry we did 
not capture that rascal, though, for, on my soul, 
I believe he was none other than ‘ The Rat.’ In 
that case our victory would have been complete.” 

Jean shivered in his wet clothing. 

“ Had we not better start for home? ” he chat- 
tered. A little exercise would not hurt any of us.” 

“ Certainement! ” replied Francois. Then with 
the tone of a commander speaking to his troops, he 
213 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


added : “ To the boats, my men,” and strode oti in 
the direction of the river. A moment later they 
stood in some perplexity at their landing place, 
then after peering anxiously through the darkness, 
moved up and down the bank for some distance. 
Their canoe had disappeared. 

Tricked again ! ” muttered Frangois savagely. 
“ This is some more of ^ The Kaf s ^ doings. While 
we were at work he slipped around through the 
woods, and finding that all of their canoes had 
been destroyed made off with ours.” 

And the furs! ” wailed Jean. 

“We have been the most obliging persons in 
the world,” remarked Pierre in a disgusted tone. 
“We raced with ‘ The Eat ’ for the skins. We 
found them, got them out of the cave, loaded them 
into a canoe, added some ammunition and provi- 
sions and then politely turned them over to him. 
What a set of stupid dunces we are ! ” 

“ Not we, but I, for I am alone responsible for 
this mishap,” retorted Prangois. “ Had I had a 
particle of sense in my head, I should never have 
left the place unguarded after that rascal disap- 
peared. Two of us could have closed the entrance 
as well as three.” 


214 


A FORCED MARCH 


“ And do you suppose we count for nothing? ” 
asked Pierre warmly. ^‘We expected to claim 
our share in the success of this expedition and we 
certainly intend to shoulder part of the blame 
of any mischance that may happen and not let 
you take it all. It was just as much our fault as 
yours.” 

“True, Pierre,” spoke up Jean. “We have 
all been to blame, now let us all devise some 
means of recovering our loss.” 

“ Anyway ^ The Rat ’ canT go very far or fast 
without a paddle — you see we each have one with 
us,” suggested Pierre. 

“ Alas ! ” cried Jean. “ There was one extra 
paddle left in the canoe.” 

Pierre, despairing of suggesting anything cheer- 
ful, relapsed into a moody silence. Francois, who 
had been thinking hard, took up the conversation at 
this point. 

“ The questions we must decide are first, what 
course is ‘ The Rat ^ likely to pursue ; second, what 
can we do to recapture the prize. We must be 
quick about it, too.” 

“Won’t he hide near at hand until the other 
redskins get out or we go away? ” queried Jean. 

15 215 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


No,” replied Frangois with decision. “ You 
must remember he is a half-breed. His sense of 
loyalty to his comrades, therefore, will be weak- 
ened. His white blood will make him selfish and 
desirous of profiting alone by the capture he has 
made. If he waits until his friends dig their way 
out, he will have to divide with them. If he aban- 
dons them, then the prize is his alone. He will, 
therefore, start for Montreal as quickly as pos- 
sible.” 

“ That is certainly logical,” remarked Pierre, 
impressed by his companion’s words. 

‘‘ Now,” continued Prangois, having decided 
in our own minds what he will probably do, the 
next question is what course is best for us to fol- 
low.” 

“ Follow him,” suggested Pierre. 

“ How, by water? ” asked Frangois. We have 
no canoes, those of the enemy are sunk, and if we 
wait to raise one of them and mend it, he would 
get such a start that we could never hope to catch 
up with him. The same is true if we were to spend 
the rest of the night trying to find the canoes we 
left concealed on the Ottawa. Besides, those 
painted devils in the cave are going to get loose 
216 


A FORCED MARCH 

some time and when they do, I, for one, would 
rather not be anywhere near. Their tempers will 
not he improved by their confinement.” 

“ Tell us your plan, then,” said Jean eagerly, 
for I know you have one already mapped out in 
your mind.” 

FranQois smiled at this innocent bit of flattery, 
then continued : 

“ My idea is very simple. It affords, however, 
our only chance, and unless a better can be sug- 
gested, I advise its adoption. ‘ The Rat,’ strong 
as he is, will find it a hard task to paddle that 
canoe with its heavy load very fast. He has to 
go down this stream, then down the Ottawa until 
the St. Lawrence is reached, and then quite a few 
leagues down that river before he reaches Mon- 
treal. If we were to start in a direct line through 
the forest for Montreal, straight as a bird flies, we 
should have a much shorter distance to travel than 
he. By hard work, I think, we can reach the St. 
Lawrence as soon as he does. If we do, we shall 
have a good chance of falling on him suddenly at 
night, for by that time he wiU think himself safe 
and will land at dark for rest.” 

“ You are a wonder,” exclaimed Jean. 

217 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


‘‘That will be our only chance,” commented 
Pierre, “ and I believe we shall succeed. We have 
given our arms plenty of exercise since we left 
Quebec. It is time our legs got their share. Come 
on, I am ready.” 

The other two needed no further urging. 
Pierre started to lead otf toward the eastern forest 
edge, when Frangois stopped him. 

“Where are you going! ” he asked. 

“ To head off that scoundrel, of course. Am I 
not taking the right direction ? ” 

“ Yes, and leaving a trail that the redskins will 
pick up ten minutes after they get out. For shame, 
have you forgotten all your instructions! Follow 
me.” 

With these words Frangois stepped into the 
water to his knees and proceeded to wade down 
stream, keeping close to ^the shore. After a half 
hour of this laborious work, he pulled himself up 
the bank and entered the woods, the others follow- 
ing close at his heels. 

“ They may find our trail some time, but it 
will take them hours now, when it would have 
been a case of minutes if we had followed 
Pierre’s first impulse,” he remarked as they 
218 


A FORCED MARCH 


stopped a moment to squeeze the water out of 
their leggings. 

When this had been accomplished and a brief 
rest enjoyed, the real land journey was begun. Off 
they swung at a jog trot, Francois leading. He 
seemed to have borrowed a cat’s eyes for the oc- 
casion, for he avoided all obstacles that stood in 
their way as though it had been bright noonday 
instead of pitch-dark night. The two brothers, 
whose vision was less skilled for this sort of work, 
kept close behind. Thus did they fare onward 
without stopping, oblivious of cold or dampness, 
their skin glowing with the sustained exertion and 
their limbs moving in a monotonous rhythm. 
When the first gray of morning suffused itself 
through the trees, they came to a tiny moss-bound 
brook. Here they stopped and quenched their 
thirst. Fortunately each had stuffed his pockets 
with food before leaving the cave. When a meal 
had been eaten, Francois turned to his com- 
panions. 

‘Wou are both tired,” he said, “but we dare 
not stop long for rest. The most pressing need now 
is to put as great a distance as possible between 
ourselves and the place we have left, and in as 
219 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


short a time, too. However, I believe we can safely 
count on an hour’s sleep. You two curl up and I 
will watch.” 

Pierre and Jean, whose legs ached with fa- 
tigue, and whose eyes were heavy with sleep, did 
not delay a moment. Francois remained awake, 
and when, judging by the increasing light, the 
hour was up he shook his companions to sensibil- 
ity, and in a few moments the party was en route 
once more. The rain had ceased shortly before 
dawn. As the sun glanced down through the trees, 
its rays set twig and tiny bud or leaf a-glistening. 
The fresh, damp smell of the woods mingled with 
the odor of a few early flowers greeted their nos- 
trils as they jogged on. Occasionally an open 
space allowed them to enjoy the freshness of 
the air and the tingling warmth of the sun. The 
short rest had refreshed the younger lads won- 
derfully, while their step, springy as though the 
journey had been but begun, showed no signs of 
faltering, but rather urged them on with all the 
impetuous force and enthusiasm belonging to 
youth. 

Several stops were made during the day, but 
only of short duration. Finally, at dusk, Fran- 
220 


A FORCED MARCH 

Qois having estimated that they had covered fully 
fifteen leagues, ordered a halt and, after a brief 
meal, told his companions that all hands could 
take five hours^ rest. Promptly, at midnight he 
awoke and aroused the others, and the march be- 
gan again. Instead of the cloudy weeping sky of 
the previous night, they had clear heavens and a 
glowing moon. The aisles of the forest, in con- 
sequence, were shrouded in a faint dreamy half- 
light that made their rapid progress easier. At 
dawn they halted beside a stream. While eating, 
a noble buck pushed his head through the under- 
growth and stood a full minute curiously observ- 
ing them. Although their food supply was rather 
low, Frangois warned the brothers by a gesture 
not to risk discovery by some roaming enemy by 
a shot. Suddenly their visitor seemed to realize 
his danger, for with a snort of fear he withdrew 
and was heard crashing through the woods in his 
mad retreat. 

Sufficient powder for six shots was all that the 
three brothers could scrape together; so it be- 
hooved them to exercise a strict economy and sure 
aim. Twenty-four hours later when another 
dozen leagues had been traversed, it was deemed 
221 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

safe to replenish their larder. A lucky shot from 
Francois’s gun brought down a deer, and soon 
they had strips of prime venison cooking over a 
tiny fire. A sufficient supply being thus obtained, 
they were able to devote all their time to either 
traveling or resting. 

No signs of savages were seen as they pro- 
ceeded; neither was any adventure met with. 
The strain was beginning to be felt by all, espe- 
cially Jean. The brave lad did not complain, but 
Frangois could see that he was very foot-sore and 
suffered a good deal of pain. He therefore slowed 
their pace and made frequent short stops for the 
young boy’s benefit. Pierre was grumbling ; first, 
at the pace set by their leader, secondly, at the 
lack of sleep. Finally, in the middle of the after- 
noon of the fourth day he came out in open re- 
bellion. Throwing himself down upon a soft bed 
of moss he stretched himself out wearily and an- 
nounced : 

‘‘You two can run your own legs off if you 
wish. As for me, I am going to save mine. I hope 
to have further use for them some day. I’m not 
going to stir from this spot, even if a dozen red- 
skins jump out from behind each tree. Some peo- 
222 


A FORCED MARCH 

pie never know when they have had enough. 
I do.” 

J ean’s brow clouded and his eyes flashed, as he 
replied rather shortly : 

“ Of course you are the only one that is tired.” 

Frangois laughed instead of chiding the older 
brother. 

“ Suppose I were to tell you that we are with- 
in one hour^s quick march of our destination? ” 

The effect on Pierre was magical. He leaped 
up in an instant saying eagerly ; 

“ In that case, I am willing to postpone my 
rest. Come, lead on, hasten ! ” 

True to Francois’s prediction, in less than 
an hour their eyes caught the gleam of water 
through the trees ahead of them, and a few mo- 
ments later they stood on the bank of the St. Law- 
rence at a point a short distance only from the 
mouth of the Ottawa. Already were the after- 
noon shadows lengthening as the two brothers 
cast themselves upon the ground to rest, while 
Francois, the indefatigable, proceeded to climb a 
lofty tree from whose top an unobscured view up 
and down the river could be obtained. 

“I wonder if we have reached this spot in 
223 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


time,” remarked Jean, as he lay stretched out 
at full length on a soft springy bed of pine 
needles. 

“ It would be just our luck,” growled Pierre, 
“ to have missed ‘ The Eat ’ by a few hours. That 
red-skinned half-breed rascal seems always to get 
ahead of us at the last minute. Hello! look at 
FranQois waving at us. I believe he sees some- 
thing up the river that is of importance, judging 
by his haste in descending. He will break his neck 
if he doesn’t take more care.” 

Both boys, eager to learn the news, were at 
hand to greet him when he first touched ground 
again. 

What is it? ” they inquired in one breath. 

“ Had we been an hour longer on the way, we 
should have arrived too late,” were his first words. 

I caught sight of a canoe not a third of a league 
away, heavily laden and with only one occupant. 
He is coming along close to shore and will be here 
in ten minutes. Let us hide in yonder brushwood 
and watch for him.” 

This suggestion was speedily followed and all 
three were soon stretched out in their place of 
concealment observing the surface of the river 
224 


A FORCED MARCH 


with eager eyes. They had not long to wait, for in 
five minutes’ time Francois, whose position en- 
abled him to see farther up the river than the 
rest, whispered: 

“ Here he comes ! ” 

• Sure enough, it was The Rat,” proceeding 
along at a leisurely rate made necessary by the 
size and weight of his canoe. The boys were near 
enough to see the expression on his face, which 
was one of satisfaction and assured success. A 
complacent smile hovered about his lips as though 
in fancy he were already counting over the pieces 
of gold received at the sale of his cargo at Mon- 
treal, only one day’s journey distant. As he 
passed, he cast a glance toward the setting sun, 
then ran his eye along the neighboring shore as 
though seeking a suitable camping place for the 
night. A few hundred yards farther on he found 
what he sought, and landed. The boys looked at 
one another with dancing eyes and conversed in 
whispers. 

‘‘ Do you suppose he will stay all night, or will 
he attempt to press on after dark?” was Jean’s 
eager question. 

He will probably remain,” replied Francois, 
225 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

he has no reason to suspect that he is fol- 
lowed.” 

“ I hope he stays where he is,” ejaculated 
Pierre, fervently, “ for if he moves on, it means a 
hard night’s run for us.” 

All we can do is to wait and see,” said Fran- 
cois hopefully. 

While they talked, the twilight came. An odor 
of burning wood was wafted to their nostrils from 
down the river. 

“ He is building a fire to cook his supper,” whis- 
pered Jean excitedly, ‘Uhat looks as though he 
had no fear of interference and intended spend- 
ing the night where he is.” 

Darkness came, and with it the drowsy twitter- 
ings of birds settling themselves for sleep. The 
distant quavering cry of a loon arose on the oppo- 
site side of the river, while from the woods behind 
them came the hoot of an owl, and all Nature 
passed under the influence and reign of night. 
The stars shone brightly, like so many signal 
lamps above them, causing myriad reflections to 
sparkle on the smooth surface of the river. The 
moon was slowly climbing majestically up its 
path, lighting the open places and casting heavy 
226 


A FORCED MARCH 


shadows among the trees. At length Francois 
broke the long silence. 

“ Stay where yon are,” he whispered. “ I am 
going to find out what ‘ The Rat ^ is doing, so we 
can lay our plans for an attack.” 

He glided noiselessly away, leaving the two 
brothers, weary yet too excited to think of sleep, 
to await his return. A half hour of quiet ensued, 
broken only by the vague, weird voices of the 
night, then he reappeared. 

“ All goes well,” he reported. I crept within 
a dozen yards of the knave. He has let his fire 
go out and lies asleep on top of a pile of skins in 
the canoe, which he has pulled up part way on 
the shore, but not so far as to prevent his push- 
ing oft in an instant if anything occurs to alarm 
him. We must wait an hour longer, then advance 
and capture the prize he has stolen from us.” 

Slowly the minutes passed. At length Fran- 
cois gave the signal to start. 

“ Follow me, and when we reach the spot your 
part will be to shove the canoe into the water and 
jump in. Do you seize the paddle, Pierre, and use 
it without stopping until we get into mid stream. 
I will do the rest. Sling your guns over your 
227 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


shoulders. They will not be needed, for he has no 
firearms.” 

The three then arose and disappeared like si- 
lent specters in the gloom, Frangois in the lead. 
They had not proceeded far when he turned and 
entered the river at a favorable point. Noise- 
lessly they advanced for a score of yards, when, 
lying deep in shadow, they discerned the faint 
outlines of the canoe. Gradually they separated. 
At a gesture from their leader, Jean and Pierre 
worked their way toward the bow while Frangois, 
waist deep in water, approached the stem. Cau- 
tiously they moved step by step until the birch- 
bark craft was within arm’s length. One step 
more, and they were alongside. With a quick mo- 
tion Frangois reached forward and pushed the 
sleeping form into the water with a splash and 
climbed quickly aboard, while the two brothers 
did their part, launching the canoe with a vigor- 
ous shove at the same moment as they jumped in. 
Pierre had hold of the paddle and with a few swift 
strokes sent the recaptured craft far out into the 
moonlit river. 

“ The Eat,” meanwhile, awakened as he struck 
the cold water, swam vigorously in pursuit, but 
228 


A FORCED MARCH 


after a moment’s labor realized the futility of his 
exertions and returned to shore muttering innu- 
merable execrations of hate and disappointment. 
The boys, chuckling aloud at his discomfiture, 
swung their bow downstream and started through 
the moonlight on the last stage of their journey 
to Montreal. 


229 


CHAPTER XV 


SHOWS HOW EVEN AN INDIAN MAY BE OUTWITTED 

O N through the night went the canoe, its 
three occupants taking hourly turns at 
paddling. When dawn came they landed 
on the southern shore and with their hatchets 
fashioned a couple of rude but serviceable paddles. 
Thus equipped they made more rapid progress 
when the voyage was resumed. During the fore- 
noon the rapids were passed in safety, and a few 
hours later the spire of the church at Montreal 
was seen ahead of them. The sight of this evi- 
dence of civilization spurred on their weary mus- 
cles until they reached the landing place. 

Here a strange scene met their eyes. The level 
strip of land bordering the river was covered with 
a motley collection of huts and tents and over- 
turned canoes. The coureurs-de-hois had arrived 
some ten days or two weeks before and after sell- 
ing out their cargoes to the traders had proceeded 
230 


AN INDIAN OUTWITTED 

to fill themselves full of brandy, pouring the 
scorching fiuid down their throats until the money 
received for their furs was exhausted. Days and 
nights of riotous excess had ensued, and now they 
lay about in various degrees of physical exhaus- 
tion. Some were still stretched under tents or 
bark huts, sleeping off the effects of the last de- 
bauch. Others, farther along in their recovery, 
sat or reclined with aching head and empty pock- 
ets waiting disconsolately for whatever excitement 
might arise. 

A few of this latter class recognized the lads as 
they strode by and raised a feeble cheer. Others 
crowded about them to shake hands and hear what 
tale of adventure they had to relate. These were 
gotten rid of by the promise to talk with them 
later. With the aid of a few unemployed Indians 
wandering about, the bundles of skins were con- 
veyed to the house of a trader whose name the 
boys had heard their father often mention. Here, 
after careful examination and counting of the 
furs, a bargain was finally struck, and a skin purse 
filled with gold was received in exchange. Until 
this was actually accomplished the boys did not 
breathe easily. When the purse with its precious 
16 231 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


contents was safely stowed away in one of Pierre’s 
inside pockets, they felt a great load lifted from 
their shoulders and were disposed to look about 
them a bit. Consequently the remainder of the 
afternoon was spent in strolling leisurely about 
the town. 

Toward dusk they repaired to the spot where 
they had left their canoe, and accepted the hearty 
invitation of a group of coureurs-de-hois to join 
them at their evening meal. After this was 
finished they sat about a fire and answered a few 
of the many questions asked them regarding their 
journey after leaving Michilimackinac. Their re- 
plies evoked much enthusiasm and flattering 
speeches, and their health was often drunk by 
those of the circle of their admirers who had any 
brandy left, and who pronounced their adventures 
as being something short of marvelous^ • At length 
fatigue asserted itself and they begged to be al- 
lowed to seek their much-needed rest. Nothing 
must do but that they must sleep in one of the 
near-by tents, its occupant declaring good-na- 
turedly that he would feel honored to have it used 
by such heroic lads, he being glad to bunk with 
one of his cronies. The boys accepted this token 
232 


AN INDIAN OUTWITTED 


of regard with thanks, and were soon enjoying the 
first care-free slumber they had had in weeks. 

Gradually the neighboring tents were filled, 
and in the early morning hours silence reigned 
along the shore, broken only by the sound of ster- 
torous breathing from the sleeping forms. About 
three o’clock, while the moonbeams were still flood- 
ing the scene, and before the first gray in the east 
had appeared, a muffled figure glided along the 
water’s edge. It stopped at the boys’ tent and lis- 
tened, then a knife flashed in the moonlight, and a 
long slit was made in the side. The noise did not 
disturb the sleepers. In fact, it is doubtful if any- 
thing short of a cannon shot would have aroused 
them. The flap thus made in the tent was drawn 
back, disclosing the unconscious form of Pierre. 
The figure sheathed its knife and offered no vio- 
lence, but with deft fingers proceeded to search 
Pierre’s clothing, even to its inner recesses and 
pockets. His quest was successful, for a fierce 
look of joy flashed across his face as he withdrew 
his hand which was not empty. Pierre had slept 
very heavily the early part of the night, but his 
fatigue being somewhat abated, this rough hand- 
ling brought him back to consciousness, and he 
233 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


awoke. The intruder, realizing that his victim 
might understand what was happening, slashed 
at the cord that sustained the tent, causing it to 
collapse, entangling all three sleepers in its folds. 
The figure then took advantage of this confusion 
to steal rapidly away. Pierre gave a smothered 
cry as he strove to disentangle himself. The other 
boys were awake by this time, and soon all three 
had arisen and stood looking about them in the 
half light. 

^^What has happened?” asked Jean, a little 
frightened at his sudden awakening. 

‘‘ A strange accident to befall the tent ! ” ex- 
claimed FranQois. “ There is no wind to blow it 
over.” 

Pierre, now thoroughly awakened, felt for the 
precious purse. It was gone. 

“ Bobbery ! ” he cried, as he told his compan- 
ions of his loss. Frangois examined the rope and 
found it cut. 

“ Some one knowing that we sold our furs yes- 
terday has done this,” he explained. 

‘‘Who could it be?” queried Jean in a low 
voice. “ One of the coureurs-de-hoisl ” 

“ Perhaps,” replied Frangois, a light breaking 

234 


AN INDIAN OUTWITTED 

in upon him as he examined the tent carefully. 

More likely a devil.” 

“Who do you mean*! ” cried the two brothers 
in unison. 

(( i Rat.’ See this long cut, just like the one 
we found that night at Michilimackinac? Say 
nothing to anyone, but keep a sharp lookout, and 
I’ll miss my guess if we do not see his ugly face 
somewhere about Montreal to-day.” 

The tent was raised and adjusted, and the three 
hoys sat down upon the shore and watched with 
lugubrious faces the rising of the sun. After 
breakfast the hole was sewed up in rude fashion 
and the owner of the tent was told that some one 
had played a trick on them by cutting the rope. As 
such boisterous pranks were common among the 
coureurs-de-hois when gathered together, he made 
light of the matter and soon changed the subject. 

The lads spent the morning looking in all 
likely quarters for traces of “ The Rat.” Into all 
the traders’ shops they cast an eye, even going 
into those places where brandy seemed to be the 
chief article of commerce. At length, after a 
fruitless search, they entered a rude shanty util- 
ized during the visit of the coureurs-de-hois by a 
235 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


crafty dealer in tlie fiery liquor. They sat down 
disconsolately on a rude bench, tired and out of 
humor. A moment or two later in stalked none 
other than “ The Eat ” himself, and, calling for a 
bottle of brandy, threw down a jingling gold piece 
on the counter in payment. Before the trader 
could hand him the desired article, his roving 
glance caught sight of the boys, whereupon he 
picked up the coin and hastily withdrew. The 
lads quickly followed him into the street. There 
they halted with indecision. 

“ Nothing is to be gained by dogging his foot- 
steps,” observed Frangois thoughtfully. Nor if 
we were to report the matter to the authorities 
would anything come of it, for the knave knows 
better than to walk about with a bag of gold on his 
person. He realizes, no doubt, that he is liable to 
get drunk any moment, and while under the in- 
fluence of the brandy be robbed by some other ras- 
cal, white or red.” 

Besides,” added Pierre, “ I could not swear 
that it was he who attacked the tent, although I 
am certain in my own mind. I did not see the 
thief and the Governor could hardly arrest him 
on mere suspicion.” 


236 


AN INDIAN OUTWITTED 


“ Oh, dear ! ” wailed J ean regretfully, “ to 
think he is busy this very minute squandering our 
money while we are helpless to regain it.” 

FranQois smiled. 

“ Not quite helpless, mon ami,* he replied, as 
he placed his arm affectionately on the young lad’s 
shoulder. “ Listen to a scheme that has just oc- 
curred to me and see what you think of it. ‘ The 
Eat,’ as I said a moment ago, is too crafty to carry 
the purseful of gold about with him and he is too 
distrustful by nature to hand it to anyone else to 
keep for him. He must, therefore, have concealed 
it somewhere.” 

^‘But where?” echoed Pierre. 

That’s the question. Not having any perma- 
nent home in Montreal, it would be difficult for 
him to find a safe place in which to hide his ill- 
gotten wealth. It is natural to suppose, therefore, 
that he has secreted it somewhere outside the 
city.” 

“Finding a needle in a haystack would be 
easier,” groaned Pierre. 

“Not necessarily. We can’t, of course, hope 
to find the spot by going out and looking for it ; we 
must watch him. If we can do so without his 
237 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

knowledge, he will, sooner or later, lead ns to the 
hiding place. He may become frightened at see- 
ing us just now and go get his treasure and take 
to the woods. What is more likely to happen, how- 
ever, is that he will hang around the places where 
brandy is sold until he has spent all the money he 
has with him, or been robbed, then seek out his 
hoard for more gold with which to continue his 
debauch. It would only arouse his suspicions for 
us to follow him about all day. We had much bet- 
ter ignore him until toward night. Then we can 
separate and search until one of us finds him. 
After he is located, all three can watch, and if he 
leaves the town, follow him.” 

• This sounded like good advice and was accord- 
ingly followed. The afternoon was spent in ex- 
ploring the city, chatting with the coureurs-de- 
bois by the river’s edge and repairing their canoe, 
which the boys had placed under safe guard. As 
the sun began to sink, each one took a different 
portion of the town and proceeded to search all 
the places likely to contain their convivial enemy. 
Their labor seemed in vain for some time. 

Finally, just at dusk, Jean discovered the 
partly intoxicated form of the Indian half-breed 
238 


AN INDIAN OUTWITTED 


on a bench in a squalid shop, engaged at irregular 
intervals in emptying a brandy bottle whose con- 
tents had dwindled down to within an inch of the 
bottom during the course of the afternoon. He 
stood the liquor remarkably well, and had not 
given the wily trader the chance he had hoped for 
of searching his clothes for any spare change he 
might have left. The older boys were quickly no- 
tified. Pierre was stationed at a point where he 
could easily recognize any person passing out of 
the front door. Frangois in his search about the 
premises discovered a rear entrance. This he de- 
cided to watch in company with Jean. 

“ I would wager a good deal,” he explained, 
‘‘that the rascal will leave by the back way. In 
case he does, I will send Jean to notify you, 
Pierre, and we can then, all three, follow him.” 

Their forces being thus disposed, there was 
nothing for them to do but wait patiently. After 
a half hour had elapsed, Francois and his compan- 
ion saw the back door open, and beheld the figure 
of the trader, who owned the shop, emerge into 
the moonlight. He stood still a moment as he cast 
wary glances in all directions, then retreated in- 
doors. 


239 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


“ ' The Eat ’ is evidently a good customer of 
his, for he is aiding him to get away unobserved, 
if possible. He was merely looking to see if the 
coast was clear for him. In a moment you will 
see ^ The Eat ’ himself sneak out,” whispered 
Frangois. 

Sure enough, the words were hardly spoken 
when the door creaked slightly and the figure of the 
half-breed glided out into the night. As he started 
rapidly away, Frangois followed at a safe distance, 
while Jean ran to get Pierre. In a few moments all 
three were in pursuit, keeping as near to the rapidly 
moving figure as they dared. As soon as the Indian 
reached a street, he muffled his face so that his fea- 
tures could not easily be seen, slowed his gait, and 
assumed a drunken stagger. A number of people 
were passed but, inasmuch as the sight of an ine- 
briated savage was no novelty to their eyes, they 
paid no attention to him. Presently the city was 
left behind, and the enemy resumed his natural 
pace. The boys held him in view, but concealed 
their own movements by keeping well within the 
shadows. Thus they proceeded for a distance of 
some half a league, when they were startled at 
seeing “ The Eat ” suddenly stop, look about him 
240 


AN INDIAN OUTWITTED 

/ 

as though searching for some landmark, then turn 
and come toward them. This move was discon- 
certing, so they darted into the shade of a clump 
of trees and concealed themselves behind the larg- 
est trunk. 

On came the half-breed until he had approached 
the other side of the tree behind which the lads 
crouched. Their first thought was that he had seen 
them and was about to challenge them. They held 
their breaths and waited. The blanketed figure, 
however, halted and, reaching up, appeared to take 
something out of a hiding place in the trunk. Fran- 
cois decided that if he moved away without replac- 
ing the pouch, there was nothing left to do but to 
spring out upon him and relieve him of his stolen 
wealth by force. 

The sound of chinking coin greeted their ears, 
and they realized that he was probably merely get- 
ting a fresh supply of money, and would be content 
to leave the balance in its place of concealment. A 
moment later, the pouch was replaced and the In- 
dian began his silent return journey to town. He 
had hardly disappeared when the lads leaped from 
their hiding place. Pierre reached up and, after 
feeling about a bit, found a small hole such as a 
241 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


woodpecker would make. In it he squeezed his 
hand and took it out again with his fingers clasping 
the precious pouch. 

It is nearly all here,” he exclaimed excitedly. 
I can tell by the weight that he has only used a 
few pieces. We will not begrudge them to him, for 
he has certainly worked hard.” 

Thus rejoicing, the three retraced their steps. 
As they went along the main street on their way 
to the river edge, they were surprised to behold 
The Eat ” standing immovable, full in the light 
of a shop window. Pierre, unable to control his 
exultation, walked straight up to him. 

“A pleasant evening for a moonlight stroll, 
isn’t it? ” he remarked before Frangois could stop 
him. You think yourself mighty clever, do you 
not? hut let me remind you of two things; first, 
there may be others more clever than you; and 
second, a hole in a tree is not a safe hiding 
place.” 

With these words he turned away leaving the 
Indian too astonished to speak. 

Frangois reproved him sharply for his fool- 
hardiness. 

“ That was an idiotic thing to do. He will run 
242 


AN INDIAN OUTWITTED 


back to the tree, find his treasure gone, and be at 
our heels within an hour. We are not out of the 
woods yet, although we should have been, had it 
not been for your rash words. This means now that 
we shall have to leave to-night instead of in the 
morning.” 

“I don’t care,” was Pierre’s defiant answer. 
“ He can hardly do us any injury now. I simply 
had to triumph over him to his face. He has caused 
us enough trouble already.” 

Jean said nothing, although sympathizing with 
his brother’s feeling, yet he realized that Frangois’s 
rebuke was well merited. The three accordingly 
hastened to take their departure. It was necessary 
first to purchase some food and get a couple of pad- 
dles to take the place of those improvised on the 
way. This necessary shopping delayed them a lit- 
tle, so that it was fully an hour after Pierre’s hasty 
words before they were able to embark. 

The lights of Montreal soon died away behind 
them as the swiftly propelled canoe passed over the 
moon-lit waters. The short rest the lads had en- 
joyed had put them in fine trim for vigorous pad- 
dling. Consequently they were able to cover the 
watery leagues without loss of time or feelings of 
243 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


exhaustion. After four hours of hard silent work, 
Francois steered toward the shore. 

“We can safely land now, I think, and get a 
few hours’ sleep,” he said ; “ that lazy redskin will 
hardly be able to catch up with us alone. We must 
not linger too long, however ; not over three hours 
at the most.” 

All of them were ready for rest. The excite- 
ment of the day, and the vigorous paddling of the 
past few hours made them fairly tired, and it was 
but a moment or two after lying down on the shore 
beside the canoe before they were oblivious of the 
beauties of the night or the possible approach of 
enemies. The moon sank slowly down the western 
slopes ; the hours sped by in their course ; hut the 
sleepers still lay unconscious of either event. Just 
before the slowly brightening sky hurst from gray 
to gold, a large canoe containing three stalwart red- 
skins came into view from the direction of Montreal 
and dashed by the spot where the hoys were en- 
camped. So intent were the savages on hastening 
along, that the canoe drawn up on the shore and the 
sleeping youths escaped their notice. This was 
partly due to the peculiar nature of the landing 
place chosen by Frangois, and partly to the low- 
244 


AN INDIAN OUTWITTED 


lying fog that often arose from the surface of the 
river toward morning, and which tended to make 
objects on or near the shore indistinct, except to one 
passing very close at hand. A few seconds, and 
the canoe with its eager crew had passed on into 
the mist. 

Francois had counted on being able to awaken 
at the time desired, but a deeper lethargy than usual 
had seized him and held him fast. When he did 
open his eyes and jumped up, it was broad day, the 
sun having been awake for two good hours. He 
quickly aroused his companions, and after a hur- 
ried breakfast, the voyage was resumed. A more 
leisurely pace was followed than the night before. 
Their progress was uneventful until the middle of 
the afternoon. At this time a surprise was met 
with which very nearly put an end to the career of 
at least one of the three. They were proceeding 
along close to shore enjoying a little spurt of speed, 
when they suddenly shot past a tiny little hay hid- 
den from view, in the approach, by a thickly 
wooded point of land. Imagine the consternation 
of the lads when they beheld a canoe beached high, 
around which lolled three redskins, one of whom 
was instantly recognized as “ The Eat.’^ 

245 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

The savages were as much startled by the sud- 
den appearance of the boys as they were. The 
Eat,” however, instantly recovered his presence of 
mind, and quickly raising his gun took a deliberate 
aim. The two brothers bent to their paddles, but 
Frangois, seeing the redskin’s threatening move, 
shipped his, and Seizing a gun aimed it at the party 
on the shore indiscriminately and pulled the trigger. 
The reports of the two guns sounded as one. Fran- 
Qois’s cap was knocked off his head, into the water, 
by the enemy’s bullet, but he himself was unin- 
jured. The savages did not get off so easily, for 
“ The Eat ” clutched his chest, let fall his gun, and 
fell in a heap to the ground. His companions, who 
by this time had seized their firearms, took hasty 
aim at the boys just disappearing around the 
point. FranQois resumed his paddle when he saw 
The Eat ” fall. He quickly realized the inten- 
tion of the confederates and sang out to his com- 
panions : 

“ Duck your heads for your lives ! ” 

This warning was heeded, and the bullets passed 
harmlessly above them. Before those on shore could 
reload, the boys were out of gunshot and pursued 
their journey at top speed. 

246 


AN INDIAN OUTWITTED 


That night no landing was made, one of the lads 
sleeping while the other two urged on the canoe. 
Finally, at dawn a bend of the river was rounded, 
and there, far away toward the brightening east, 
their wearied eyes caught a glimpse of the fortress 
of Quebec. An hour later, they could make out the 
spires of the Cathedral and the convent of the Ur- 
sulines. Another hour, and they darted into the 
peaceful basin before the city, and with a cheer for 
the flag floating proudly from the Fort above 
them, they landed happy and safe, their journey 
ended. 


17 


247 


CHAPTER XVI 


DESCKIBES A GLAD HOME-COMING AND THE LAST 
APPEAEANCE OF THE ENEMY 

U P the steep street from the Lower Town 
strode the three travelers. Arriving at 
the Chateau St. Louis, they stacked their 
guns in a convenient corner by the door, and, en- 
tering, requested an interview with the Governor. 
A full hour was consumed in waiting. All chafed 
at the delay, especially Jean. 

I wish we had gone home first,” he complained. 
This is the first of June. Father and Uncle Or- 
messon are in trouble to-day, and our place is with 
them.” 

Pierre sighed as though fully agreeing with his 
brother’s expression. He, however, put on a brave 
front and answered boldly : 

“ For shame, Jean, you will never make a 
good soldier. Our duty to the King and Colony 
comes first, our personal affairs second. It is 
only right that we should march to our superior’s 
248 


A GLAD HOME-COMING 


headquarters and report immediately upon our 
arrival.” 

Frangois raised a warning finger. 

“ Hush ! ” he said in a low tone. “ Whoever it 
is that has been interviewing the Governor for the 
past hour, he is leaving now.” 

The knob of the door of the inner room turned 
and presently an officer passed out hurriedly. The 
boys were then summoned to enter. They found 
Frontenac busily engaged at his desk with a pile 
of papers. In a few seconds, he looked up at the 
lads standing before him and recognized them with 
a start of surprise. Frangois saluted, and stepping 
forward a pace said : 

Your Excellency, we have returned within the 
hour and beg leave to report that we found the 
Ottawa practically clear of Indians.” 

Pierre saluted in turn as he stepped alongside 
the first speaker. 

“ We would also state to your Excellency that 
the fur fleet came through to Montreal without 
mishap.” 

Jean advanced briskly until in line with his 
companions, at the same time raising his hand to 
his head. 


249 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


“ On the way back we captured a score of red- 
skins and left them bottled up in a cave for safe- 
keeping. We should have brought them to your 
Excellency to serve as hostages in your dealings 
with the Iroquois had we not been so greatly out- 
numbered.” 

The Governor listened to each speaker in a state 
bordering on stupefaction. As the boys awaited his 
greeting, they were alarmed to observe his face 
turn crimson, then purple, and the veins in his fore- 
head stand out in bold relief. Accompanying these 
alarming symptoms was a quivering of his whole 
burly frame, and a gasping and choking, as though 
he could not get his breath. Jean, frightened at the 
sight, was about to run for assistance, when he saw 
that the great man was indulging in a fit of titanic 
laughter. A moment later, and the explosive stage 
was reached, and he burst forth into a sonorous peal 
of merriment that fairly shook the roof. 

“ Mon Dieu! ” he managed finally to ejaculate, 
mine eyes do not deceive me, then, and I really 
see my gallant scouts back safe and sound ! ” An- 
other gale of laughter ensued. He then continued, 
as though exhibiting the lads to an unseen audience : 

‘‘ Behold the three youths who dared to face the 

250 


A GLAD HOME-COMING 


dangers that turned a small army back ; who alone 
and unaided carried out the purposes of the expe- 
dition ; who enabled the fur fleet to come through, 
and thus brought relief to a colony well-nigh bank- 
rupt; and not content with these valorous deeds, 
they obtained leave of absence and betook them- 
selves upon a private undertaking full of risk and 
adventures, I will warrant. Par Dieu! had I a 
hundred like you, I could dispense with all mili- 
tary aid, bring the savages into complete subjec- 
tion, and bid defiance to all the enemies of the 
Colony ! 

Arising, his face aglow with joy and admiration, 
he approached the boys and embraced each one 
heartily. 

Welcome back, mes amis, my thoughts have 
been often with you during your absence. I have 
had many misgivings as to your success and safety, 
but it seems no task is too hard for you to accom- 
plish. The whole city has been ringing with your 
praises since the furs arrived. I shall have to look 
sharp and not let your fame reach the ears of the 
King,'' he added with a twinkle in his eye, “ or I 
shall find myself removed some fine day, and three 
youthful governors appointed in my place." 

251 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


In obedience to his request, Frangois briefly 
sketched their haps and mishaps since leaving Que- 
bec. Frontenac did not interrupt this recital, save 
by an occasional snort of alarm at the danger re- 
lated, or a grunt of satisfaction on hearing how each 
peril was escaped. When the speaker described the 
clever stroke whereby their enemies were left im- 
prisoned in the cave, his self-control gave way, and 
he laughed long and heartily. When the story was 
finally ended, he embraced them once more with 
a rough show of feeling that amounted almost to 
affection, and uttered words of praise that made the 
boys’ ears tingle with delight. He even examined 
Jean’s pockets in playful mood to see, as he ex- 
plained, if he did not have a few live Indians con- 
cealed therein. 

At length he resumed his natural manner. 

‘‘ I must not be selfish,” he exclaimed, glancing 
at the big clock in the corner, and keep you here 
when you are eager to get home to see those who 
love you and anxiously await your coming. From 
what I hear, your arrival is very opportune, for, 
like many others of our traders, your father and 
uncle have been in deep trouble. A sight of your 
faces, though, will change all that. Now go, and 
252 


A GLAD HOME-COMING 


return at this hour to-morrow, and I shall have 
something of interest and importance to tell you.” 
With these meaning words, he dismissed them, and 
the three lads departed on their homeward way. 

Meanwhile, a far different scene was being en- 
acted within the walls of the somber dwelling of 
Antoine Bordeleau, the hoys’ father. A sleepless 
night had been passed by him and Jacques Ormes- 
son. The same sun that, peeping above the horizon, 
had beheld the three adventurers paddling toward 
Quebec, had found the two men lying open-eyed and 
careworn in their beds. Their late breakfast was 
indeed a gloomy meal, and eaten in silence. After 
the table had been cleared, they flung themselves 
listlessly into two great chairs. At length the father 
of the boys roused himself, and turning to his com- 
panion, said: 

“ Well, mon ami, the hour of doom is about to 
strike. We have struggled and hoped and prayed 
for relief, but it seems that is to be denied us. At 
noon Eene Poucard will arrive, demand his mon- 
ey, and, that not being forthcoming, take posses- 
sion and force us to depart.” 

“ True,” replied Ormesson, as he strove to ap- 
pear cheerful, but like brave men we will meet 
253 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


adversity without grieving, and go forth, beggars, 
to he sure, but filled with the firm purpose of perse- 
vering, and in the end achieving success. The 
blow would be bearable, had we our boys with 
us,” he concluded, his voice breaking in spite of 
his efforts. 

“Ah! were they but here,” replied the other 
with deep feeling, “we should have strength and 
courage to meet any calamity the present might 
bring to us, and face the unknown future with hope 
and determination. Did we but know of their safety 
even, we could await their later arrival with pa- 
tience.” 

“ I had counted on the successful issue of their 
attempt to find the furs and their return in time 
to avert this blow ; but I fear that they have failed. 
We know the date when they arrived at Michili- 
mackinac. They have had time a plenty to have 
found the skins and returned ere now.” 

An hour of moody quiet followed, the two fig- 
ures sitting silent and still as the carving upon the 
chairs. Ormesson glanced at the clock. It was a 
quarter to twelve. He arose and looked out of the 
window. 

“ Had I not better go down the street and 
254 


A GLAD HOME-COMING 

see if perchance they may not have arrived? ” he 
asked. 

The other shook his head resignedly. 

A forlorn hope, mon ami. It is the will of 
God that oppresses ns and we must bow before 
it. A few minutes and all will be over.” 

A loud knocking at the street door was heard, 
and presently Eene Poucard entered the room. 
He bowed with a deprecating air, although in his 
eyes there gleamed a look of triumph, as he read 
the despair plainly written in the countenances of 
the others. 

Bon jour, messieurs , he exclaimed in a , 
cheery voice. “ You see, I am punctual; in fact, a 
little ahead of time, as it lacks yet ten minutes to 
the hour.” 

Ten minutes will make but little difference 
to us,” replied Antoine Bordeleau roughly. “ Pro- 
ceed with your legal formalities and have the matter 
over with.” 

Poucard shrugged his shoulders. 

“ Pardon, messieurs, but I do not wish to take 
advantage of you by even one moment. The wit- 
nesses to my formal demand for payment are just 
behind. We must wait for them, anyway.” 

255 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 

Another knock, peremptory and officious, rever- 
berated through the house, and presently two offi- 
cers, the expected witnesses, appeared. They bowed 
rather awkwardly and stood together in one corner 
of the room. All eyes were directed toward the 
clock that showed five minutes before the noon hour. 
Ormesson took up his station by the window and 
stared morosely out. His companion sank back in 
his chair with an air of resignation. 

The minute hand moved slowly. Four min- 
utes to twelve ! Bordeleau arose and paced nerv- 
ously up and down. Eene Poucard drew forth 
several documents which he carefully unfolded, 
and laid them down upon the table near which he 
stood. Three minutes to twelve ! The rattling of 
a door sounded loudly in the ears of those pres- 
ent. One of the officers coughed and shifted his 
position uneasily. Ormesson still gazing down 
the street gave a sudden start, and from his eyes 
there leaped a quick sparkle of joy. 

Our own witnesses are coming,” he said 
dryly. 

Two minutes to twelve! Poucard cleared his 
throat, and remarking, They are late,” picked up 
one of the documents and prepared to read. He 
256 


A GLAD HOME-COMING 

motioned to the two ofi&cers to take their place be- 
side him. They obeyed. 

Bordeleau watched the proceedings listlessly. 
Ormesson seemed to await the final moment eagerly. 
One minute to twelve ! Poucard began reading the 
formal call for the payment of the money due him : 

‘‘I, Eene Poucard, do hereby demand of you, 
Antoine Bordeleau and Jacques Ormesson, in the 
presence of witnesses, the payment to me of a just 
and legal debt, in the sum of ” 

At his first words the door, which had been left 
ajar, swung noiselessly open, and the figure of 
Pierre appeared. He hesitated an instant, then, 
gathering from the man’s words the significance of 
the scene being enacted before him, advanced rap- 
idly across the floor closely followed by Jean, while 
Frangois brought up the rear. On reaching Pou- 
card, Pierre interrupted him by exclaiming : 

“ There is the money and more too ! ” and he 
flung the fur pouch with its chinking contents upon 
the table. 

The old man gasped in consternation. Was his 
prey to elude him after all 1 J ean gave a smothered 
cry of joy that broke into a sob as he rushed into 
his father’s outstretched arms. Ormesson stepped 
257 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


forward and silently embraced both Pierre and 
Frangois. The former gently disengaging himself, 
advanced to the table where the money lender still 
stood, blinking with surprise. 

Come ! ” he said sternly, “ count your money, 
sign a receipt, and begone. Your room, just at pres- 
ent, is of far greater value than your company.” 

The clock in the Chateau boomed forth twelve 
strokes — ^noon. Ormesson, seeing the usurer still 
hesitate, opened the purse and poured its glittering 
contents onto the table and proceeded to count the 
pile. When he had reached a sum sufficient to dis- 
charge the debt, he pushed the coins across to the 
miser, and swept the balance, amounting to fully 
one-third of the whole, back into the purse. The 
old man at sight of the gold in front of him roused 
himself from his lethargy, and after careful exam- 
ination, to see that the amount was correct, pocketed 
the money with a sigh of disappointment at being 
thus balked in his scheme and, summoning the two 
witnesses to attest his signature, handed the re- 
ceipt to Ormesson with a bow. Then turning to 
the boys he spoke with a flattering air : 

These, I presume, are the young gentlemen 
whose arrival has been long expected. They are 
258 


A GLAD HOME-COMING 

noble youths, certainly, worthy sons of so fine a 
gentilhommej their father.’’ Then continuing, as he 
hacked slowly toward the door rubbing his hands 
and smiling : I am happy to have been able to 
serve you, gentlemen, and am truly rejoiced that I 
have been spared the necessity of insisting upon my 
legal rights in the matter, a procedure that would 
have been distasteful on my part, and one involving 
you in considerable inconvenience. Should you 
again need my assistance at any future time, do not 
hesitate to call upon me ; I shall always be at your 
service. Good morning ! ” With a last bow he 
disappeared through the doorway closely followed 
by the two officers. 

A sigh of relief arose from all at his departure. 
Ormesson, who had with difficulty restrained him- 
self during the man’s farewell words, gave a snort 
of disgust. 

“ Faugh ! ” he exclaimed, as he threw open a 
window, Let us breathe some fresh air instead of 
that which has been polluted by that beast’s pres- 
ence. Thank fortune, we have done with him! 
Never again shall we get into his clutches.” Then 
putting one arm affectionately about Jean who 
stood trembling with joy and feasting his eyes first 
259 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


on his father and then on his uncle, and draw- 
ing Pierre toward him with the other, he 
continued : 

It has been like the fahle of the lion entangled 
in the net and liberated by the mouse. We were 
captive and helpless in the legal web cast around 
us by the grasping usurer, and you have been the 
little mice, you three boys, who have gnawed us 
free. It is not always the strong and mighty in this 
world who accomplish large results. You arrived 
just in the nick of time. I caught sight of you hur- 
rying along, as I stood despondent looking out of 
yonder window, and I knew that we were saved, 
that Le bon Dieu had not deserted us in our ex- 
tremity.” The worthy trader hugged the brothers 
tightly in the excess of his emotion, at the same 
time casting a grateful look at Francois. 

The midday meal was a merry one, as the re- 
united family, which included Frangois in its at- 
mosphere of affection, gathered once more about 
the great table. The dinner was necessarily pro- 
longed, as the older men stopped between bites to 
ask numerous questions, which the boys, in turn, 
ceased eating, in order to answer. At length every- 
thing was cleared away, and all five seated them- 
260 


A GLAD HOME-COMING 

selves comfortably in a semicircle while the boys, 
beginning with Pierre, gave a detailed, consecutive 
account of all that had happened since they last 
met. When the elder brother grew tired, Jean took 
up the thread of the narrative, and finally Francois 
in his turn completed their adventurous tale. Their 
two listeners sat silent in rapt attention. When a 
point was reached in the boys^ story where their 
situation was fraught with dangers, their breathing 
quickened and an anxious look overcast their faces. 
When the designs of the enemy were frustrated, or 
a peril was successfully avoided, their features re- 
laxed and a smile of joy and gratification appeared. 
At times Antoine Bordeleau drew Jean to him and 
held him tight in a loving embrace, while Ormesson 
evinced his enjoyment and the excitement under 
which he labored by cracking his finger joints in 
an alarming manner. Finally, when the bottling up 
of the Indians in the cave was related, he could 
contain himself no longer, but bursting forth into a 
loud guffaw lay back in his chair and laughed until 
his sides ached and the tears coursed down his 
cheeks. The father of the boys was no less amused, 
although he displayed his merriment in a more quiet 
way. The much-worn copy of the mysterious map 
261 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


was produced and its markings carefully followed 
as the story progressed. Each of the young heroes 
received his share of praise at the hands of the 
older men ; Frangois for his practical counsel and 
faithfulness, Pierre for his warm-hearted, impul- 
sive bravery, and Jean for his clever guesses and 
unselfish courage. These words of commendation, 
coming from those they loved, were sweeter to the 
hearts of the lads than the heartily expressed ap- 
proval of the Governor had been. 

While they thus conversed, the afternoon wore 
away and the shadows of night fell. Still the five 
sat shut in from the outside world unmindful of the 
passage of time while thus engaged in happy fellow- 
ship. When night had come in Earnest, a servant 
brought in lights and disappeared without inter- 
rupting their thoughts or flow of conversation. 
They were finally aroused by a startled exclama- 
tion of Ormesson, who sprang from his chair and 
pointed to a shadowy human form standing near 
the half -opened door. The figure, finding itself 
discovered, advanced a couple of paces into the 
light, revealing the well-known features of “ The 
Eat.” This sight brought all of them to their feet 
in wonder and alarm, the boys feeling instinctively 
262 


A GLAD HOME-COMING 


at their belts for their hunting knives, the only 
weapons within reach. 

The half-breed saw this motion, and raised his 
arm in a graceful movement of protest. 

Have no fear,” he said, and his voice, al- 
though deep and guttural in tone, sounded faint 
and weak. “ ^ The Eat ’ comes to you now in peace. 
He has buried the hatchet and only wishes to say 
farewell — forever.” At this last word his face con- 
tracted as though in mortal pain, and he wavered 
unsteadily on his feet. Eecovering himself with 
an effort, he continued while his glance was directed 
toward the two younger lads : 

“We have struggled with one another and you 
have won. I tried to prevent you from taking what 
was mine by*right, although not according to white 
men’s law. The furs we both sought were given 
me by my father, your uncle, before he died.” A 
look of pride flashed from his eyes as he thus 
claimed kinship with them. “We have been ene- 
mies, but I have not sought to harm you. I could 
have killed you a dozen times, but I would not be- 
cause part of the same blood that flows through 
your veins flows through mine. I hated you be- 
cause I knew you despised the outcast Indian, and 
18 263 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


would gladly have seen you die at the hands of my 
companions, hut you were safe from mine. As for 
you,” here he directed a malignant look toward 
Francois, I felt differently. I tried to kill you, 
but missed my aim. Yours was better.” At this 
he threw open his blanket, revealing an ugly look- 
ing wound in his chest, at the same moment stagger- 
ing as though from weakness. 

Jean uttered a low cry of pity, and pouring 
some brandy hastily into a glass hastened to him. 
“ The Eat ” gulped its contents down eagerly. 

“ The fire water warms my body, but your kind- 
ness to the poor Indian warms his heart. I thank 
you.” Eeturning the empty glass, he rearranged 
his blanket. “ Before another sun rises, I shall be 
on my way to join my father in the haippy hunting 
grounds. I have come to ask one favor; bury me 
beside him. He had me baptized when I was a 
papoose ; the black gowns will not forbid it.” 

That was all. One glance, in which the look of 
pride was softened by some tenderer feeling, as his 
eyes fell upon Jean’s troubled face, a dignified ges- 
ture of farewell, and he was gone. It was fully a 
minute before any one recovered from the sur- 
prise that held them spellbound sufficiently to act. 

264 


A GLAD HOME-COMING 


Then all three boys hastened out, bnt soon re- 
turned without having discovered any traces of 
their visitor. Next morning, Ormesson, in obedi- 
ence to a sudden impulse, hurried to the grave of 
Captain Louis Bordeleau and there found the 
outstretched, lifeless form of the hapless “ Eat.” 


265 


CHAPTEE XVII 


A CONVIVIAL. CHAPTER DEVOTED TO REWARDS AND 
HAPPINESS 

A MESSAGE from the Governor was re- 
ceived during breakfast saying that news 
of the approach of a ship from France 
had reached him, and requesting that the lads post- 
pone their visit to the Chateau until the next day. 
This left the boys free to do as they pleased. While 
finishing their meal the sound of a signal gun from 
the Fort told of the arrival of the expected vessel. 
They accordingly joined the crowd at the water^s 
edge, and finding their canoe safe were soon pad- 
dling toward midstream. A swarm of other canoes 
had preceded them, whose owners were bent upon 
gaining liberal fees for conveying passengers and 
goods ashore. As the boys circled about leisurely 
surveying the busy scene, they passed beneath the 
stem of the vessel and for the first time learned its 
name. The two brothers gave a simultaneous cry 
as they recognized it as the same ship in which they 
266 


REWARDS AND HAPPINESS 


themselves had arrived two years before. They 
drew nearer, and finding an unoccupied space at 
the landing stage, they made fast their canoe and 
hastened aboard. The first person they met was 
one of the officers, who instantly remembered them 
and gave them a hearty welcome. After a short 
conversation with him, they spent the remainder of 
the forenoon roaming about the vessel showing 
FranQois the tiny quarters they had once occupied, 
and explaining many things that were strange to 
him, for this was the first time he had ever set foot 
upon a real ocean-going ship. 

They returned home for dinner and found their 
father and Ormesson greatly excited over a letter 
just received from Paris. It was an order from a 
noted firm for a certain number of furs to he 
shipped each year, the profits therefrom being suffi- 
ciently large to insure them a very comfortable in- 
come, much larger than they had ever enjoyed be- 
fore. While engaged in discussing their great good 
fortune, a messenger arrived from the Governor in- 
viting them all, including the three lads, to be pres- 
ent at a dinner he proposed giving at the Chateau 
that evening in honor of the arrival of the King’s 
ship. This delighted them all very much, and the 
267 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


aftemoon was spent in preparing the best clothes 
they possessed in anticipation of the event. 

At the proper hour they repaired to the Chateau, 
which they found ablaze with lights, the air hum- 
ming with the voices of many guests. All the 
prominent people of Quebec were there: the In- 
tendant, the officers of the garrison, resplendent in 
their gay uniforms, many of the leading traders 
with their wives, while even the good Bishop him- 
self deigned to grace the festive occasion with his 
presence. After paying their respects to the Gov- 
ernor, they conversed with various acquaintances, 
the boys hearing with reddened cheeks many 
compliments upon their recent success. At length 
all were summoned to the largest room in the Cha- 
teau, which had been turned into a dining hall. 
Here the hoys found, much to their surprise, that 
seats had been assigned to them near the head of 
the table, close to those of the Governor and other 
dignitaries. Plenty of good wholesome food was 
provided, prepared in a savory manner, for Fron- 
tenac, among his many pleasing weaknesses, had 
a fondness for good cooking. Eich red wine was 
liberally supplied with which to wash down the 
more substantial viands, the lads being provided 
268 


REWARDS AND HAPPINESS 


with some excellent Norman cider. As the meal 
drew near its close, many toasts were drimk and 
speeches of welcome and appreciation, exchanged. 

Finally the Governor arose once more, and amid 
a respectful silence said : 

“ Many famous names have passed our lips this 
night, mes amis, and many valorous deeds re- 
counted performed in our beloved France ; hut we 
have among us those whose actions prove that 
feats of prowess are not limited to the soil of the 
Old World, but flourish as well in the more rugged 
atmosphere of the New. The welfare of the entire 
Colony has been safeguarded, and many of us here 
present have been saved from severe financial loss, 
if not actual bankruptcy, by the heroic endeavors 
of three of our youngest guests. Their accom- 
plishment is already known to you, and it is but 
right that such worthy efforts should have due rec- 
ognition.” Here the great man paused a moment. 
All eyes were turned upon the three lads, and a 
great clapping of hands ensued, the ladies present 
waving their handkerchiefs vigorously. Frangois 
squirmed uneasily in his chair at being thus brought 
into public notice. Pierre, striving at first to look 
unconcerned, failed, utterly, and kept his eyes glued 
269 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


to his plate. Jean, all atremble with excitement, 
also droppea his head, hut managed to cast a side- 
long glance at his father and nncle, whose smiling 
faces appeared near the lower end of the table. 
The Governor continued: 

“In order to show their appreciation of the 
manly spirit displayed and the risks run by our 
youthful friends, a number of those most directly 
benefited by the arrival of this season’s stock of 
furs have made up a purse containing a hundred 
louis and deputed me to present it.” Here he drew 
from his capacious pocket a neatly embroidered 
purse, and leaning over dropped it lightly upon the 
table in front of the astonished boys. A huge vol- 
ume of applause broke from the assembled guests. 
Prontenac made an entreating gesture and silence 
ensued. “ But there is yet lacking some official 
token of appreciation. After consultation with 
Monsieur I’Intendant and some of my officers, I 
have decided to organize a company of scouts con- 
sisting of about a score of men, to be known as ‘ The 
Little Eegiment,’ under the command and super- 
vision of the following officers : Captain Frangois 
Ledun, Lieutenant Pierre Bordeleau, Sublieuten- 
ant Jean Bordeleau. The commissions have been 
270 


REWARDS AND HAPPINESS 

duly signed, and I hereby deliver them.’’ With 
these words the Governor drew forth the documents 
and had them passed to the hoys, who sat stunned 
with surprise and happiness. He then sat down 
amid the deafening plaudits of his guests, who 
thoroughly enjoyed the embarrassment of the 
lads. 

At this juncture the Intendant arose, and hold- 
ing his glass aloft cried: 

A health to ‘ The Little Regiment,’ and its 
gallant officers,” a toast that was responded to by 
all with enthusiasm. When the confusion subsided, 
the hoys found all eyes directed on them e:^pect- 
antly, as though awaiting some response. Jean 
thereupon nudged Pierre and Pierre nudged Fran- 
cois. The latter, seeing there was no help for it, got 
to his feet somehow, bowed to the Governor and 
the rest of the assembly, and managing to stam- 
mer forth : 

“ Your Excellency, friends, I thank you,” slid 
hack into his seat completely overcome. 

Pierre then stood up, and after bowing, cleared 
his throat and said : 

“ I cannot make a speech, I can only say that 
all this fuss is about a very small matter. We did 
271 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


but do what every true soldier of France is bound 
to do — his duty.” 

Jean found when he arose that something was 
the matter with his knees, they knocked against 
each other in such an alarming manner. His mind, 
too, was all awhirl ; he had no thoughts to express, 
nor words to utter them with. A sudden inspira- 
tion, however, seized him, so he raised his half- 
emptied glass, his eyes sparkling and a bright smile 
lighting up his face, and exclaimed in a clear, 
ringing voice : 

“ To His Gracious Majesty, the King, and our 
beloved Colony ! ” At these patriotic words every 
man sprang to his feet with a cheer, and every glass 
clinked merrily with its neighbor as the toast was 
drunk. Thus ended the first Governor’s dinner the 
boys had ever attended. 

Promptly at the appointed hour next day the 
three friends found themselves in Frontenac’s pri- 
vate room at the Chateau. The great man received 
them most graciously. 

“ Good morning, Captain Ledun and Lieuten- 
ants Bordeleau ! ” he exclaimed with a cordial 
smile and a merry twinkle in his eye, as he per- 
ceived the lads’ confusion on being addressed 
272 


REWARDS AND HAPPINESS 


by their new titles. trust that last nighPs 
dissipation did not prevent you from sleeping 
well.” 

Pierre and the others murmured their ac- 
knowledgments of this kindly greeting. Motioning 
them to be seated, the Governor next inquired of 
Jean how his father and uncle fared. The boy then 
related the scene that had transpired on their arrival 
home. Frontenac was greatly amused on thus 
learning of the money lender’s discomfiture, and 
chuckled and laughed to his heart’s content. At 
length his merriment subsided, his face sobered, 
and he turned to more serious matters. 

“ The main object in having you come at this 
hour was originally to inform you of your appoint- 
ments and hand over to you your commissions. All 
that, however, was done last night. I will say, 
though, that my idea of having a well-trained 
body of scouts is a serious one. The qualities you 
have displayed, and the success hitherto met with 
led me to select you as the officers of this impor- 
tant company, nicknamed by me ^ The Little Reg- 
iment.’ I wish you to pick out the men yourselves 
at once and devote all your time to training them, 
as I expect to call upon you and your men for 
273 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


active service at no distant date. I am con- 
fident that nnder yonr supervision they will 
quickly develop into as brave and efficient an 
organization as the members of the recent ex- 
pedition showed themselves to be cowardly and 
weak. I shall stand as ready to reward in the 
one case as I am now about to punish in the 
other.” 

As the speaker paused, Jean asked with a 
troubled face: 

Pardon me, Your Excellency, but what do you 
intend doing to those who refused to advance? I 
hope you will not be too severe.” 

The Governor grew stern at these words and his 
lips closed in a determined manner. 

I have cut off all special privileges for one 
year and increased the garrison duty of every pri- 
vate soldier who turned back, besides doubling their 
drills and reducing their pay. The ringleaders, 
to the number of twenty, I have had placed in 
chains and closely confined since their return, and 
shall ship them back as prisoners in this vessel 
that arrived yesterday, with a request to His 
Majesty that he send me men in the future, not 
cowards.” 


274 


REWARDS AND HAPPINESS 

Jean, nnabaslied at these harsh words, per- 
sisted in questioning. 

“ What will happen to them when they reach 
France! Will they not be disgraced forever! ” 

A grim smile played about the features of Fron- 
tenac as he replied: 

“Disgraced! Certainement! WJiat would you 
have! If the King happens to be in a good humor, 
he may be content to grant them a dishonorable dis- 
charge from the service. If he is vexed, as I doubt 
not he will be, he will probably imprison them, per- 
chance send them to the galleys, an awful fate, but 
one they richly deserve.’^ 

At these words Jean gave a cry of alarm, and 
dropping on one knee he seized Frontenac’s hand. 

“Oh! Your Excellency, be merciful I implore 
you,” he pleaded. “ They are all brave soldiers at 
heart, every one of them, and would have done their 
duty had it not been for the wild tales poured into 
their ears by the wicked coureurs-de-bois. Their 
lives will be ruined. Some of them are married. 
Have pity on their innocent wives and children and 
spare them this terrible disgrace.” The boy’s frame 
quivered with emotion, while tears stood in his eyes. 
Gulping down a sob, he continued: “Your Excel- 
275 


THE KING’S SCOUTS 


lency has been pleased to praise our efforts and 
has showered us with rewards, although none were 
asked for or expected. If you have really consid- 
ered what we have done as worthy of compensation, 
do not, I pray you, refuse the request I now make. 
Eelease these men. Save them from dishonor. 
Give them* one more chance of proving that they 
are indeed true soldiers of France. Give them to us 
as members of ‘ The Little Eegiment.’ We will 
train them and guarantee to you that all their fu- 
ture actions will be praiseworthy and without 
blame.” 

At first the Governor listened unmoved. As 
the boy’s passionate appeal proceeded, his features 
softened. When he ended he arose and forcing 
Jean to stand, embraced him heartily hut silently, 
as a wave of emotion swept over him. Finally, 
holding the boy at arm’s length, he surveyed him 
with pride and admiration as he exclaimed : 

“ Would that Le hon Dieu had given me such 
a son! Your courage is tempered with tenderness. 
Your ambition is excelled by your unselfishness. I 
cannot withstand your pleading. Your request is 
granted.” 

That night the bright stars looked down upon 
276 


REWARDS AND HAPPINESS 


the slumbering city with their accustomed bril- 
liancy. Many of the inhabitants enjoyed the 
healthy sleep following a day of honest toil. In the 
Chateau, the Governor, possessed of a mind at 
peace with all the world and a consciousness of 
having dealt mercifully, sat far into the night 
working at his desk by candlelight over official 
papers. Within their gloomy house Antoine 
Bordeleau and the worthy Ormesson talked and 
planned until day concerning the new and happy 
future that had suddenly brightened for them, 
while overhead, lost in youthful slumber, lay the 
three brave lads dreaming of their coming adven- 
tures in command of “ The Little Regiment.’^ 

( 1 ) 


THE END 


277 


















SFi' 1- lyu/ 








/ 


I 








ft 


> T 











1 


r 




- 1 

V « 


I 



1 



I 





« 

1 I 

»* 


t 

•I* 

’• . 



0 




$ 

I 

) I 
• •• 




/t 

0 


■ t 


%■ 

t 


,s 





0 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 







